Serhou Guirassy shuns Stuttgart contract extension amidst European interest

By SABC Sport
15th December 2023

Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy has reportedly turned down the opportunity to extend his contract, stirring interest from top European clubs.

Despite a relatively subdued career until recently, Guirassy has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, showcasing his talent with a great performances in the Bundesliga.

During the current season, Guirassy overcame a hamstring injury to deliver an impressive 16 goals and one assist in just 12 Bundesliga appearances, elevating his status as a top-tier striker. His existing contract with Stuttgart runs until 2026, but a release clause of £17.5 million has complicated negotiations for the German side.

Initially inserted to deter potential suitors from pursuing the 27-year-old at a bargain, the release clause has, ironically, become an attractive option for other clubs. Stuttgart have been actively seeking a contract extension with Guirassy to eliminate this release clause, especially with the fee set to become active next month.

However, according to reputable BILD journalist Christian Falk, Guirassy has rebuffed Stuttgart's efforts to secure a new deal. Falk suggests that the forward is eyeing a fresh challenge in the upcoming year, provided suitable proposals come his way.

The situation has sparked interest from several European heavyweights, with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Newcastle United closely monitoring developments. Financial Fair Play regulations will pose a challenge for the former two clubs, adding an intriguing layer to the transfer saga. Additionally, Roma and Fulham have joined the list of suitors, drawn by Guirassy's stellar form earlier in the season, where he netted eight goals, including two hat-tricks, in a four-game stretch.

Guirassy's goal-scoring prowess extends beyond the Bundesliga, with a total of 31 goals in 55 appearances in the German league and an additional 31 strikes in 109 appearances in Ligue 1, primarily with Stade Rennais.

A potential departure for Guirassy would be a significant setback for Stuttgart, a club currently enjoying a six-point lead in the race for Champions League qualification. Moreover, they find themselves just five points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, a remarkable turnaround after finishing 16th in the previous season (2022-23).

As the transfer window approaches, the football world eagerly await Guirassy's next move, with the forward poised to embark on a new chapter in his promising career.