Agent: Gimenez ‘wanted to live in Italy’ so he joined Milan | OneFootball

Football agent Rafaela Pimenta insists Serie A is appealing, revealing that his client, Santiago Gimenez, ‘wanted to live in Italy’ so he joined Milan in the winter transfer window.

Brazilian football agent Pimenta insists Serie A remains an appealing league to many footballers.

Gimenez joined Milan ‘to live in Italy’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It has appeal because of the style of play and quality of life,” she told ANSA.

“It’s a very human league in a world increasingly driven by business. Gimenez, for example, had many offers but chose to go to Milan because he wanted to live in Italy.”

Gimenez joined Milan on a permanent transfer from Feyenoord in a €32m deal during the 2025 winter transfer window.

The Mexico international has netted six times in 19 matches with the Rossoneri, who are now looking for a new centre-forward who can compete with him for a starting spot next season.

Gimenez has signed a contract until 2029 at San Siro.

Likewise, Pimenta doesn’t see a lack of interest in Italian players from foreign clubs.

“It’s not true, they do have a market, but Italians, like Mexicans, never want to leave their own country,” she added.

Club World Cup effects on transfer negotiations

“I’ve been in the USA for a couple of weeks for this tournament [Club World Cup] and all of us agents are wondering what will change and what impact it will have on the market,” Pimenta continued.

“Because of the Club World Cup, the transfer market started a month and a half ago. Just like during the World Cup, everyone is waiting to see if he star player emerges.”

There’s a substantial prize money for the clubs involved, and the agent expects more investments this summer.

“It’s a cascade that goes directly to the clubs, but you have to know how to spend,” she continued.

“I believe there will be more investments. It’s true that clubs plan more than they used to, but in football, passion and excitement also matter.”

Erling Haaland, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Paul Pogba are among the notable clients of Pimenta.