Barcelona’s attacking rebuild hit by cost of Borussia Dortmund forward Guirassy

Barcelona have been prevented from signing Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy because of his salary demands, leaving the Catalan club facing a deepening shortage of experienced centre-forwards during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish club are searching for a new striker after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Their attempt to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid failed, forcing Barcelona to consider alternative targets.

Guirassy, 30, had regularly been linked with a move to Barcelona as the club assessed its options. According to German newspaper Bild, sporting director Deco recently made an enquiry about the Borussia Dortmund forward.

However, Barcelona decided against pursuing the deal after learning the size of Guirassy’s wages. Bild reports that the striker earns about 10 million euros a year, a figure considered far beyond the level of Barcelona’s current wage structure.

The player’s release clause is understood to be worth approximately 50 million euros. That fee would be within the reach of only a limited number of Europe’s leading clubs, including Barcelona, but it is Guirassy’s salary rather than the transfer cost that has blocked the move.

Guirassy joined Borussia Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart in 2024 and is under contract until 2028. He was one of the club’s most important players at Signal Iduna Park last season, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists in 46 appearances.

He started for Dortmund in their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup final last weekend. The match came as the forward continued to feature prominently in discussions over his future, although the financial conditions required for a transfer to Barcelona have proved prohibitive.

With eight days remaining before the transfer window closes, Barcelona sporting director Deco is still looking for an out-and-out striker to strengthen the squad.

Bild also reports that Borussia Dortmund are close to signing Barcelona prospect Hector Fort. Representatives of the German club travelled to Barcelona yesterday in an effort to accelerate the transfer process.

Barcelona hope to receive more than 10 million euros for the academy graduate. At the same time, manager Hansi Flick has decided to keep Xavi Espart in the squad, a decision that could influence the club’s defensive planning as the window enters its final stage.

The club’s failure to complete a deal for Guirassy adds to the pressure on Barcelona to find a solution in attack before the deadline. The striker’s Bundesliga form made him an attractive option, but the financial demands attached to the transfer have ruled out an agreement for now.

Readers can discuss the subject and related news in greater depth in the Kooora forums.