Although Rafael van der Vaart, a former Premier League star, thinks Feyenoord shouldn’t jump at the possibility to sell, especially if the price is less than £20 million, Tottenham Hotspur is keen on signing Santiago Gimenez.
With three goals in his previous four games, including one in the UEFA Europa League against Roma, Feyenoord’s Mexican striker could have been mistaken for thinking he had once again silenced his detractors.
Rafael van der Vaart’s suspicions, however, will require more than a single goal against Heracles at De Kuip on Sunday, as Feyenoord easily won 3-0 with Santiago Gimenez scoring once more.
The £40 million-rated striker has been tipped to follow in Van der Vaart’s Tottenham Hotspur footsteps, his agent admitting that the London giants are one of a number of high-profile clubs – including Inter Milan, Atletico and Real Madrid – to show an interest back in 2023.
Tottenham Hotspur eye Santiago Gimenez
Van der Vaart, however, feels that Feyenoord would be lucky if they are offered even half of that reported £40 million asking price.
“We have already discussed that Feyenoord will lose many players. Many players who are in the spotlight,” Van der Vaart, who excelled alongside Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and co at Spurs between 2010 and 2012, tells Studio Voetbal.
“I have a lot of doubts (about Gimenez). I once said that he took away my doubts when he was really good. But even after this goal (vs Heracles) I didn’t think he played very well.
“If someone offers 20 or 25 million euros, then you really have to get rid of him. If someone wants to pay a lot of money for him, do it (the deal) immediately.”
24 goals but plenty of doubters
With 24 goals in 34 games, Gimenez has already exceeded his tally from the entirety of Feyenoord’s 2022/23 Eredivisie-winning season.
Tottenham supporters know only too well, however, that statistics can be misleading when signing strikers from Dutch football. Vincent Janssen, one of the most infamous flops in Spurs’ modern history, was the Eredivisie’s reigning Golden Boot winner when he joined from AZ Alkmaar, after all.
HITC Football, meanwhile, understands that Tottenham are in the market for a new centre-forward despite the impressive recent form of Richarlison and Heung-Min Son. Ange Postecoglou’s side remain keen on Brentford contract-rebel Ivan Toney.
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