Liverpool’s New Target: Can They Outbid Tottenham and Arsenal?
Liverpool’s Interest in Santiago Gimenez
Feels a bit of a lazy one this. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has advised the club’s decision makers that Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has the potential to follow him to the Premier League. However, interest from two other English clubs could cause concern for the Reds. According to a report from TeamTalk, “Tottenham have placed Gimenez high on their wish list, but there is also interest from Arsenal.” Gimenez, who has scored 49 goals for Feyenoord, is highly regarded by Slot, who believes the striker could be a valuable addition to Liverpool. The competition for Gimenez’s signature is fierce, with clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal also showing interest. This suggests that Liverpool will need to act swiftly if they are to secure his services for the upcoming season.
Gimenez’s Performance and Stats
Santiago Gimenez, a 23-year-old centre-forward, has had an impressive run in the Eredivisie. His stats for the 2023/24 season are notable:
- Appearances: 30 in the Eredivisie
- Goals: 23
- Assists: 6
- International Caps: 4 for Mexico
- Contract: Until 2027 with Feyenoord
Gimenez has proven himself as a prolific goal scorer, demonstrating his capability in various competitions, including the Champions League, where he made four appearances in the 2023/24 season, notching two goals and an assist which is on his favour.
Comparing Gimenez and Nunez
Comparing Gimenez to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez reveals some interesting insights. Gimenez’s stats, albeit in the Eredivisie, show a higher goal-scoring rate:
- Goals per 90 minutes (G/90): Gimenez – 0.87, Nunez – 0.48
- Expected Goals (xG): Gimenez – 22.8, Nunez – 16.3
- Non-penalty Expected Goals (NPxG): Gimenez – 19.6, Nunez – 15.5
- Touches in the Box: Gimenez has shown a higher involvement in the final third, which reflects his offensive positioning.
However, it’s important to consider that these stats come from the Eredivisie, which is often compared to the Championship in terms of competitive standard. While Gimenez outperforms Nunez in these metrics, the transition to the Premier League will present a different challenge. To be honest there’s an element of combating chalk and cheese.
Market Value and Potential Transfer
Gimenez’s market value stands at €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. His contract with Feyenoord runs until 2027, meaning that any potential suitor would need to make a significant offer to tempt Feyenoord into selling. This long-term contract indicates that Feyenoord could demand a premium for the striker, capitalising on the interest from top clubs. Despite the strong links, this feels like a potential case of Slot leveraging his past association with the player to fill a need at Liverpool. However, the reality might be more complex. Given Liverpool’s financial constraints and the competition for Gimenez, a move might not be as straightforward. Alternatives like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has proven himself in the Premier League, might be a more prudent choice. Nothing in this one.
