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AC Milan hand Mexico international Santiago Gimenez their legendary No. 7 after recent transfer

  • Gimenez takes over No. 7 at AC Milan
  • Joins USMNT stars Pulisic, Musah at the San Siro
  • Has signed four-year contract until 2029 with the club
  • Santi Gimenez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC MilanGetty

    WHAT HAPPENED

    Santi Giménez has been handed AC Milan’s iconic No. 7 shirt after completing his move from Feyenoord.

    With Álvaro Morata departing for Galatasaray on loan in the January transfer window, the Rossoneri needed to reinforce their attack. Morata had been their third-leading scorer in Serie A, behind Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic, making a new signing essential. As a result, Milan secured Giménez on a four-year contract through 2029 in a $35 million transfer.

    READ MORE: Will Gimenez's move to Milan help his El Tri chances?

    To mark his arrival, the club has given the Mexican international their legendary No. 7 jersey—previously worn by stars such as Alexandre Pato and Robinho. AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko also donned the number, along with Edgar Davids, Paolo Di Canio, Carlo Ancelotti, and several other greats over the years.

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  • WHAT AC MILAN DID

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    After an excellent 2023-24 season, where he netted 26 goals across all competitions, a lot was expected from Gimenez this term and so far, the forward has delivered. Injuries have kept him out of the squad for large parts of the season but despite that, the Mexican forward has still contributed to 19 goals in 19 appearances.

    That includes 16 goals with seven of those coming in the Eredivisie and many Rossoneri fans will be hoping that he can keep that form going.

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    WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR AC MILAN AND SANTIAGO GIMENEZ?

    After challenging for the Serie A title in the 2023-24 season, many fans and critics alike expected AC Milan to keep that form going this season.

    However, managerial turmoil combined with other issues have seen the Rossoneri drop down the table as they currently sit in eighth place. Not only that, they’re 19 points behind league leaders Napoli and seven points outside the top four.

    It does mean that the club needs a serious turnaround in the second half of the season and with Morata having left for Galatasaray, a lot will be expected from Gimenez.