Transfer Talk: Gimenez goals can give Irons extra edge

Santiago Gimenez is turning heads in the January transfer window and a Premier League switch could be on the cards.

The prolific Feyenoord striker has been linked with a move to West Ham and there is also reported interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham.

Admiring glances from some of Europe's giants should not come as a shock given his outstanding goal record, netting 19 times in just 17 Eredivisie appearances this season.

Ahead of the Hammers' clash with Sheffield United, we consider what Gimenez would bring to the London Stadium.

Lethal finisher

Gimenez's proficiency in the final third means he is the Eredivisie's current joint-top scorer in 2023-24.

He is finding the net at a rate of 1.24 goals per 90 minutes, with an additional four assists taking his total goal contributions to 23.

Interest in the Mexico international has reached new heights after his performances in the first half of the campaign — but Feyenoord's No29 has been on the radar of bigger clubs for some time.

He was the subject of speculation last year, having scored 15 league goals following his move to Rotterdam from Liga MX side Cruz Azul.

Though still not the finished article, Gimenez appears to have all the attributes required to succeed in the Premier League.

He is an excellent finisher, strong in the air and adept at linking up with attacking team-mates.

And with a league-high 135 touches in the opposition penalty area prior to this weekend, he is constantly on the lookout for scoring opportunities.

High praise

Gimenez has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances in the Netherlands.

Former Liverpool and Feyenoord forward Dirk Kuyt said: "You always need time to adjust when you move to the other side of the world.

"He [Gimenez] actually adapted very quickly and did not get upset when he did not play every game in the beginning.

"He listened very carefully to [Feyenoord manager] Arne Slot, asking himself, 'What does the coach expect from me?'

"In possession, players usually know what to do but he has also become very important for the team when he loses the ball.

"He has developed incredibly well but there is still a lot more to come."

Next step

As with any player from the Dutch top flight, Gimenez will remain something of an unknown entity until he proves himself in one of Europe's top five divisions.

The likes of Siem de Jong, Jozy Altidore, Afonso Alves and Vincent Janssen all arrived in the Premier League with high expectations after excelling in the Eredivisie — but none of them were successful in England.

Gimenez appears different though, particularly because he is just 22 and looks every bit an instinctive, natural goalscorer.

For West Ham, the addition of such a player could make a significant impact given their current reliance on Jarrod Bowen's goals.

Mohammed Kudus has added another element to the Hammers' attack but signing an out-and-out No9 is clearly the priority for David Moyes.

And a contract until 2027 is unlikely to put off the East London outfit, amid reports that a £30-40million bid could tempt Feyenoord to part with their chief marksman.

As the Irons prepare to take on the Blades, they will hope to win the race for a striker who is quickly becoming one of the continent's most coveted young players.