Barcelona step back from Serhou Guirassy move as financial demands prove too high

Barcelona have abandoned their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy after being put off by the cost of signing and paying the Guinea international.

The Catalan club had identified a new number nine as one of their main priorities following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. Guirassy was among the forwards considered by the sporting department, with his goalscoring record making him a strong candidate to lead Barcelona’s attack.

According to Bild, Barcelona sporting director Deco recently contacted Borussia Dortmund to ask about Guirassy’s situation. The striker’s ability in front of goal matched the club’s requirements as they looked for a player capable of taking over from Lewandowski.

However, discussions are understood to have ended quickly, with the player’s salary becoming the main obstacle. Guirassy is estimated to earn about 10m euros a year, a figure Barcelona consider excessive given their current financial position and existing wage policy.

The potential transfer fee also presented a significant problem. Guirassy’s release clause is valued at close to 50m euros, meaning Barcelona would have faced a substantial outlay even before taking his salary into account.

The club’s hierarchy therefore decided against pursuing an operation that would have placed further pressure on its finances. Despite Deco’s initial interest, Guirassy is not expected to move to Catalonia this summer.

Guirassy joined Borussia Dortmund in 2024 from Stuttgart and has a contract with the German club until June 2028. He quickly became one of Dortmund’s most important attacking players.

During the previous season, he scored 22 goals and supplied six assists in 46 appearances. Those figures help explain Dortmund’s firm stance over the value of any potential departure.

The striker’s annual salary in Germany is listed as 9,430,000 euros, equivalent to 6,129,500,000 FCFA, while Transfermarkt places his current market value at 32m euros. The difference between the reported salary estimate of about 10m euros and the more specific figure reflects the varying assessments of his earnings.

Barcelona must now examine alternative targets as they continue the search for Lewandowski’s successor. Their objective remains to strengthen the forward line without making the club’s financial situation more difficult.

Dortmund are due to begin their German league campaign against Hamburg in their opening match. The betting odds reported for that fixture list a Dortmund victory at 1.30, a draw at 5.60 and a Hamburg win at 9.00.