Santiago Gimenez has not been assigned a squad number by AC Milan for the new season, with his father confirming that negotiations over a possible move to FC Porto are still ongoing.
The Mexico international is not considered part of Milan’s plans for the campaign and may already have made his final appearance for the Rossoneri. His omission from the squad list published on the Lega Serie A website is the clearest indication yet that the club is prepared to part company with the striker.
Gimenez was excluded alongside Christopher Nkunku, Youssouf Fofana and Fikayo Tomori. While the list does not itself confirm that any of the players will leave, the absence of Gimenez’s name comes as Milan assess a potential transfer involving FC Porto.
The Portuguese club have already made an opening proposal for the 24-year-old. Their offer was understood to be a loan deal including an option to buy for €15m, which would become an obligation under certain conditions.
Milan rejected those terms because they paid €30.2m, plus add-ons, to sign Gimenez from Feyenoord in February 2025. Despite the striker’s difficult run with injuries in recent months, the Serie A club believe they can secure a more favourable agreement than the one initially proposed by Porto.
Reports from Milan News, A Bola and other outlets say discussions between the two clubs are continuing. Both sides are reportedly confident that an agreement can be reached in the near future.
Gimenez’s father, Christian “Chaco” Gimenez, said the striker was in good spirits and confirmed that the negotiations had not broken down.
“Santi is fine. They are in negotiations. FC Porto made an initial offer, which everyone knows Milan did not accept, but the negotiations continue,” Chaco Gimenez told Fox Sports Mexico.
He also praised Porto’s record of working with Mexican players and described the interest as an important opportunity for his son.
“It is a great team, with a history of playing Mexican talent. I feel that this is a great opportunity. Many talk about Santi’s record with Milan, but they don’t say he was out injured for seven months.
“Porto coming for him at a moment like this is very good, and it means he did something great in the past. The most important thing is that he’s physically fit now, he hasn’t lost his hunger, he wants more and more.”
Gimenez joined Milan from Feyenoord in February 2025 after establishing himself as a Mexico international. However, his time in Italy has been affected by injuries, limiting his involvement and leaving his immediate future uncertain.
With Milan’s squad list now published without his name, the continuing talks with FC Porto could provide a route away from San Siro. The Portuguese side’s first offer was not accepted, but negotiations remain active as the clubs work towards a deal.
