A report overnight has claimed that Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Feyenoord hitman Santiago Gimenez before the transfer window closes.
It’s been claimed for a little while that Nuno Espirito Santo would like to add a striker to his ranks – although links with them haven’t been forthcoming.
Now, the 23-year-old Mexico international is catching the eye of Forest with Feyenoord demanding around £40 million for his services.
The Reds have Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi in their squad but Wood will turn 33 this season and Awoniyi has injury doubts hanging over his head.
As a result, it’s not hard to understand why Forest are going to try and bring another striker to the City Ground before the transfer window closes.
Gimenez might be a player that not many Forest supporters have seen play and some comments from Pierre van Hooijdonk now make for very interesting reading.
What Pierre van Hooijdonk said about Nottingham Forest-linked Santiago Gimenez
Van Hooijdonk spoke about the Feyenoord striker back in March following a poor performance – and advised what he needed to add to his game.
He also offered an insight into his style of play and was speaking to Voetbal Primeur.
Van Hooijdonk said: “It’s quite difficult because he has to deal with a number of long balls. But then he gives it away so easily. I think he can do more for the team.
“They are difficult balls I know that, but you can also keep them with you sometimes. Then you give the team some air. It is too often, also on Sunday, a little push and he lets them come for it.
“That is too much too easy for a striker of his level. He really has to add that part of his game.”
Back in February, he defended two Feyenoord strikers; Gimenez and former Newcastle player Luuk de Jong.
On this occasion, he told Voetbal Primeur: “I have heard so often that Luuk de Jong has no talent, that he cannot actually play football.
“That made me so tired. His talent is scoring goals. That is how I see Gimenez too.”
The man who famously went on strike at Forest was also in the mood to praise the player back in April.
This time he told 1908: “I am convinced that if he regains his form and remains a Mexico international, he will earn his money.
“It will definitely happen again, but we don’t know when. I don’t have a crystal ball. That was the moment when he was at his peak. You don’t have to sell him now. Then you wait until he is back at his peak.”
Forest will feel Gimenez is worth the risk
Any player who signs from the Eredivise will always have a challenge to prove themselves in the Premier League.
Although Gimenez scored 26 goals last season he would have to prove that he’s capable of scoring goals in a league such as the Premier League.
Forest have been in this situation before too. Ibrahim Sangare is the club’s record signing and he’s taken some time to settle after an underwhelming maiden campaign.
But, Forest have to understand their position in the food chain. The very best strikers are going to be picked off by bigger clubs and that leaves the club to shop in places like Holland.
Gimenez does feel like a risk worth taking. He fits in with the transfer strategy adopted by Forest this year and ultimately, he would arrive at the club with a point to prove.
If this price is right, this is a deal that Forest should definitely look to do this summer.
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