The negotiations had been dragging on for a while, with the Mexico international informed he was not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans for this season. However, Gimenez has a strong admirer in coach Francesco Farioli at FC Porto, which made the deal more appealing.
The key to the breakthrough was introducing clauses making the option to buy into an obligation, with conditions including the number of appearances Gimenez makes for the club. This means that if Gimenez meets the required number of appearances, the option to buy will become an obligation, and FC Porto will have to purchase him for the agreed price.
Gimenez leaves the Rossoneri with seven goals and six assists in 37 competitive games. The deal was done late Saturday evening, with no loan fee but the option to buy set at €18m plus €2m add-ons.