Barcelona’s interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy has been met with scepticism from former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amunike, who believes the Guinean forward’s style and age may not align with the club’s long-term vision.
Despite reports linking Guirassy to the Catalan giants ahead of the summer transfer window, Amunike, a former Barcelona winger himself, does not see the move materialising.
The 29-year-old forward has enjoyed a prolific season in Germany, yet Amunike argues that Barcelona’s recruitment strategy has shifted away from experienced stars towards developing homegrown talent.
Speaking to Africafoot, Amunike acknowledged Guirassy’s quality but questioned the feasibility of such a deal. “Guirassy is a proven goalscorer who can play for top clubs in Europe, no doubt,” he said.
“He’s been consistent for the last two or three years, and if it were my decision, I might take him because I admire his qualities. But Barcelona is focusing on the future, and at 29, I don’t think he fits that plan.”
Guirassy, who still has three years remaining on his Dortmund contract, would likely command a high transfer fee. Amunike suggested that Dortmund may demand upwards of €60 million, a figure Barcelona may not be willing to match given their current strategy.
“Barcelona no longer throws money at ready-made stars like they used to,” Amunike continued. “They’ve returned to their roots, placing trust in La Masia and trying to build a sustainable future. That kind of investment in a 29-year-old striker doesn’t align with what they are trying to achieve.”
Barcelona’s ongoing evolution under new sporting directives has seen a marked emphasis on youth promotion and financial caution. Amunike believes that while Guirassy could perform at a high level for the club, the overall vision may not accommodate a player of his profile.
“Is Guirassy good enough? Absolutely, he can play almost anywhere. But is he the type of striker Barcelona needs right now, especially to succeed someone like Lewandowski? That’s a different question,” Amunike said.
“Lewandowski has been one of the greatest finishers in modern football. Replacing him is no simple task, and I don’t think Guirassy brings exactly what Barcelona is building towards.”
Guirassy has scored 30 goals and contributed six assists in 42 appearances for Dortmund this season, continuing the red-hot form he displayed at VfB Stuttgart, where he registered 44 goals in 58 matches across two campaigns.
His journey through Europe has also included spells at Rennes, Amiens, and Lille in France, as well as Cologne in Germany.
While there has been speculation about Barcelona needing a new striker to eventually replace Lewandowski, the question of fit, both financially and tactically, appears to weigh heavily in Amunike’s mind.
“Guirassy is excellent, but Barcelona’s current project is about building a dominant team for the next decade,” Amunike concluded. “And for that reason, I think this transfer, while possible in theory, is very unlikely to happen.”
As Guirassy continues to draw interest from top clubs, including those in England, his future remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that a move to Camp Nou may not align with the club’s current philosophy.
