"He has the qualities to play at the absolute top" - Chelsea target with 12 goals this season urged to join Real Madrid or Manchester United
Feyenoord striker and Chelsea target Santiago Gimenez has emerged as a rising star in European football, catching the eye of many top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United. However, he has been urged by Feyenoord legend Willem van Hanegem to join Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Hanegem is an ardent supporter of Gimenez's talent. He firmly believes that the Mexican striker possesses the qualities required to play for a top-tier club in England or Spain.
Van Hanegem stated via Sport Witness:
"He has the qualities to play at the absolute top, in England or Spain."
"It would be great if he plays for Real Madrid or Manchester United. He will only remain at Feyenoord for the time being. Everyone likes him very much; he doesn’t get nervous when he misses an opportunity."
The 22-year-old Mexican forward has made a significant impact since his move from Cruz Azul to Feyenoord in a €6 million deal in June 2022. His debut campaign with the Dutch club was spectacular, amassing 23 goals and contributing three assists in 45 appearances.
Gimenez has continued to display his goal-scoring prowess this season, already tallying 12 goals and providing two assists in just nine games. His consistent form has not gone unnoticed, as major European clubs have reportedly expressed interest in securing his services.
Manchester United have been among those clubs interested in signing Gimenez despite their high-profile signing of Rasmus Hojlund during the summer transfer window. The attraction to Gimenez's skill set is not limited to just one club, though, with Real Madrid and Chelsea also rumored to monitor the young striker.
One of the attributes that set Gimenez apart is his remarkable composure, especially in front of goal. He remains unfazed even when he misses scoring opportunities, showcasing a mental strength often seen in top-tier strikers.
Given his remarkable goal-scoring abilities and mental fortitude, Santiago Gimenez's journey to a prestigious European club seems almost inevitable. However, it will be interesting to see which European club would win the race to sign the Mexican youngster in the future.
Manchester United and Chelsea eye rising star from Schalke - Reports
Manchester United and Chelsea have set their sights on Schalke 04's emerging star, Assan Ouedraogo, per UK SportsMole. The 17-year-old central midfielder, who became Schalke's youngest-ever goalscorer, has caught the attention of global football heavyweights.
Both Premier League giants have dispatched scouts to observe his performances in the German second tier. While Ouedraogo is set to sign a three-year deal with Schalke upon turning 18, a potential transfer fee of £15 million could trigger a bidding war next summer.
For Manchester United, this pursuit is part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen the central midfield, given that Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are now in their 30s. Additionally, the departures of Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are anticipated in 2024. On the other hand, Chelsea continue to hunt for young talents despite spending over £1 billion in the last two years.