Spectacular lightning-fast departure of Serhou Guirassy to Barca? Why Borussia Dortmund can breathe a sigh of relief
Barcelona are still without a genuine centre-forward even after the start of the season. That is why their attention is said to have recently turned to Borussia Dortmund and Serhou Guirassy.
Bild report that the Dortmund star striker has once again featured in the Catalans' transfer plans, with Barca reaffirming their interest.
Barca lost Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer, their two first-choice attackers from last season. Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire in the MLS on a free transfer, while Torres moved to Paris Saint-Germain for just under €50 million and scored twice on his Ligue 1 debut.
They had been firmly expecting to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid after he made it clear he wanted to leave for the Rojiblancos. But that will not happen as things stand. Atletico are refusing to sell their best striker to a direct rival, no matter how many sacks of money Barca might unload in front of the Metropolitano. Instead, a move to Arsenal could follow. At the weekend, Alvarez was loudly booed by his own fans.
Could BVB still lose Guirassy? Barca apparently put off by salary
That has brought not only Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan but also BVB's Guirassy into focus in Barcelona as a potential alternative, even though the Guinea international's release clause, which had been valid for a handful of clubs this summer, has long since expired. The Catalans were among that illustrious group and could have signed Guirassy this summer for just under €40 million.
Barca have now apparently backed away from signing the BVB striker, and not only because Guirassy's clause is no longer valid. As Bild report, the Black and Yellows can also breathe a sigh of relief because of the lavish salary the 30-year-old earns in Dortmund. When the Catalans learned of the €10 million per year, their interest in Guirassy is said to have cooled extremely quickly and not returned.
BVB and Barca in talks over Fort transfer
Elsewhere, BVB and Barca are currently at the negotiating table over another personnel matter. Dortmund's interest in right-back Hector Fort is well documented, and the player himself is desperate to join BVB, which is why he has apparently already turned down several offers from other clubs. The only thing missing is an agreement between the clubs.
Barca are said to be demanding a hefty €17 million for the 20-year-old. However, a fee of around €10 million is also conceivable, although in that case BVB would have to grant the Catalans a large sell-on clause and possibly a buy-back option as well.
Fort is expected to solve Dortmund's last major squad issue, which opened up on the right after Yan Couto left for Como following two years in which he performed in an extremely unfortunate manner. Last season, Fort was on loan at Elche, where he showed very fine promise, especially going forward, with three goals and two assists in 623 minutes, although he suffered a serious shoulder injury while celebrating a goal shortly before Christmas and was out until the end of April.
FC Barcelona looking for a striker: could Tresoldi also be an alternative?
Meanwhile, it remains unclear what Barca will do at striker. Allegedly, Under-21 international Nicolo Tresoldi is also said to be an alternative the Spanish champions are considering. "We will speak and have to do what is best," coach Hansi Flick said after the 5-0 opening win over Elche in LaLiga, in which former Dortmund player Karim Adeyemi made an immediate impression with a goal.
Guirassy's start to the competitive season was far from good. In the 2-1 defeat in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Bayern Munich, the striker was almost completely anonymous and made way for Fabio Silva in the 62nd minute. His Portuguese deputy then scored to make it 2-1.
Criticism of Guirassy after the match was loud enough. "With Guirassy I always think: 'Is he always in it with 100 per cent heart?' I couldn't see that yesterday in the first half," Stefan Effenberg complained on Sport1's Doppelpass.
