Borussia Dortmund's prolific striker Serhou Guirassy is reportedly open to the idea of a summer switch to Chelsea, with a specific release clause in his contract set to become active. The 29-year-old Guinea international has attracted serious interest from several of Europe's elite clubs following his remarkable goalscoring form in Germany.
Release Clause Details and Rival Interest
According to a report from German publication BILD, Guirassy has a €50 million (approximately £44 million) release clause that will be valid in the upcoming summer transfer window. Chelsea are named as one of the clubs for whom this clause is applicable, but they face significant competition.
The other elite sides believed to be on the shortlist include Premier League rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, it is suggested that Chelsea have taken an early initiative by opening preliminary talks with the player's representatives to sound out his future plans.
Guirassy's Stunning Form and Future Ambitions
The striker's potential availability comes after a period of exceptional productivity. Since joining Dortmund, Guirassy has scored 47 goals in 68 appearances, cementing his status as one of the Bundesliga's most feared forwards. Last season, his 21 goals in 30 league games earned him a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for a second consecutive year.
He also finished as the joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, despite Dortmund's exit at the quarter-final stage. This season, despite the team's inconsistent form under manager Niko Kovac, Guirassy has maintained his output with nine goals across all competitions.
With the player turning 30 in March, it is claimed he dreams of securing one last major contract at the peak of his career, making a summer move increasingly likely. Chelsea, as recent Club World Cup winners, could reportedly 'easily' improve upon his current €10 million-a-year wages at Dortmund.
Current Focus and Recent Controversy
For the immediate future, Guirassy remains committed to Dortmund. This was demonstrated during the recent international break, where he opted to work with a personal trainer instead of joining the Guinea national team. Both the player and the club have privately ruled out a transfer in the January window.
The striker did hit the headlines this week for a moment of frustration, refusing to shake manager Kovac's hand after being substituted during Dortmund's German Cup defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. However, Kovac confirmed the issue was swiftly resolved.
'He came to me on his own and apologised to me personally, as well as to the team,' Kovac stated. 'He knows that he didn’t react properly there... I will support him. Every team needs a top striker. BVB certainly have one in him.'
What Happens Next?
The report outlines that two primary scenarios exist for Guirassy next summer: a move to a European powerhouse like Chelsea, or accepting an 'astronomical' offer from the Saudi Pro League. The prospect of him remaining at Dortmund beyond this season is now deemed 'highly unlikely'.
In anticipation of his potential departure, Dortmund have already identified a possible replacement, with Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani named as their primary target. Guirassy's current contract at Westfalenstadion runs until June 2028, but the active release clause next summer places his future firmly in the spotlight.
