Mexico striker Santiago Giménez has decided to remain at Feyenoord after rejecting a second bid from Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Despite weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, Giménez made the personal decision to turn down Forest and stay put at Feyenoord. This comes as a surprise to many, as Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen had also shown interest in the player.
Feyenoord finished second in the Dutch Eredivisie last season with 84 points, earning them a spot in the prestigious Champions League. This prospect was likely a significant factor in Giménez’s decision to stay at the club, as Nottingham Forest is not involved in any European competitions. The opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football is something that many players aspire to, and Giménez seems to be no exception.
Giménez joined Feyenoord from Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in July 2022 and quickly made a name for himself at the Dutch club. In his first season, he earned a spot in the starting lineup and went on to score an impressive 23 goals in 45 games across all competitions. His performances were instrumental in Feyenoord’s league title win that season, which also caught the eye of the Mexican national team head coach.
Giménez’s stellar performances at Feyenoord earned him a call-up to the Mexican national team under coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. He has since earned 30 international caps and continues to be a key figure for the national team. Last season, he improved on his club tally with 23 goals in just 30 Eredivisie games, cementing his reputation as a prolific goal scorer.
Santiago Giménez’s decision to stay at Feyenoord despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen showcases his commitment to the club and his belief in the project at hand. With the opportunity to compete in the Champions League and continue his development both domestically and internationally, Giménez’s future looks bright as he looks to build on his impressive start at the Dutch club.