One of the most closely followed stories in Mexican football has reached its conclusion: Santiago Giménez is officially on his way out of AC Milan. The forward, who arrived at the San Siro with high expectations just months ago, has now confirmed his departure and is preparing to begin a new chapter in Portugal with FC Porto.
Giménez publicly addressed the situation with a measured and grateful tone, a marked contrast to the turbulent final stretch of his time in Italy. Rather than pointing fingers at coaches, teammates, or the notoriously demanding Milan fanbase, the 24-year-old chose to focus on what he described as a formative experience in one of Europe’s most storied leagues.
His decision to leave comes after a period in which minutes became increasingly difficult to come by. Although Giménez featured regularly during parts of the season, the competition for places in the Milan attack, combined with a shift in tactical approach under the coaching staff, gradually reduced his role. Sources close to the player indicated that a summer exit had been on the table for several weeks, with Porto emerging as the most concrete destination.
For Porto, the acquisition represents a statement of intent. The Portuguese club, perennial contenders in the Primeira Liga and regular participants in UEFA competitions, has made the Mexican international a central piece of its attacking project. Giménez’s profile — a physical striker who can operate as a target man, run channels in behind, and finish with both feet — fits a profile Porto has sought to reinforce. The Dragões have a long history of integrating South American and Latin American talent, and the club’s sporting director reportedly identified Giménez as a priority signing early in the transfer window.
The move also carries weight on a continental level. Giménez has been one of the most recognizable Mexican forwards in Europe since his breakout spell at Feyenoord, where he became a goal-scoring phenomenon in the Eredivisie. His exploits in the Netherlands earned him the Pithon d’Or, the Dutch equivalent of the Golden Boot, and put him firmly on the radar of elite clubs across the continent. A January move to Milan was meant to mark his arrival among Europe’s true heavyweights, but the transition proved more demanding than anticipated.
In his farewell message, Giménez thanked the Milan staff, his teammates, and the supporters, emphasizing that his time at the club contributed to his growth as a player and as a professional. The tone stood in contrast to some of the more heated coverage in the Italian press during the spring, when questions about his adaptation and finishing touch dominated headlines. He did not dwell on those narratives, instead projecting optimism about what lies ahead.
The transaction between Milan and Porto is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with the clubs reportedly having agreed on terms that include a transfer fee plus performance-based add-ons. Once completed, Giménez will join Porto’s pre-season setup, with the Portuguese league campaign already underway.
For Mexico, the move carries implications beyond the individual. El Tri has long benefited from having one of its strikers competing at a top-five European league, providing visibility and competitive sharpness ahead of international commitments. While the Portuguese league is not generally considered on par with La Liga, the Premier League, or Serie A in terms of global profile, Porto’s participation in European competitions ensures that Giménez will continue to test himself at a high level. It also brings him closer to the rhythm of league football he thrived in during his time at Feyenoord, where consistent playing time was a defining feature of his success.
Analysts have noted that the change of scenery could be exactly what Giménez needs to rediscover his most decisive form. At Feyenoord, he was the focal point of the attack and a penalty-area predator; at Milan, he often found himself in wider or deeper positions, asked to link play rather than solely finish chances. Porto’s system, which traditionally revolves around a central striker supported by creative midfielders and wingers, appears well-suited to his strengths.
Meanwhile, Milan’s front office continues to reshape its attacking options ahead of the new campaign, with the club linked to several alternatives as it looks to recalibrate its offensive identity. Giménez’s departure frees up both a registration slot and salary space, resources that could be directed toward other reinforcements before the window closes.
As he packs his bags for the Portuguese northern city, the Mexican forward leaves Italy with no regrets expressed publicly and a clear sense of focus on the task at hand. Whether the Porto move becomes the springboard to an even bigger transfer in the future, or simply the stage where he re-establishes himself as one of the most lethal forwards of his generation, Giménez’s next chapter will be watched closely from Mexico City to Rotterdam, and now to Porto.
