VfB Stuttgart hope to retain prolific striker Serhou Guirassy

This latest display brought his Bundesliga goal tally to an impressive 28 for the season, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top talents.

Guirassy's outstanding form has inevitably caught the eye of several major clubs, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly leading the chase for the 28-year-old forward. 

Despite the mounting interest, Stuttgart's sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, remains hopeful that Guirassy will stay with the club, even as a ‚¬17.5 million release clause looms over their efforts.

"We are not without hope," Wohlgemuth stated in a post-match interview following the victory over Gladbach. Acknowledging the challenge, he added, "But after today's performance, the desire to sign him probably won't diminish," praising Guirassy's exceptional display.

Guirassy himself has remained non-committal about his future. When asked by BILD about the possibility of staying at Stuttgart, the Guinea international responded with a cryptic "maybe," leaving fans and pundits alike speculating about his next move.

The 2023/24 season has been a milestone for both Guirassy and Stuttgart. His 28 goals in as many appearances were instrumental in propelling the team to a stunning second-place finish in the Bundesliga, a remarkable achievement for the club. This surge has undoubtedly raised Guirassy's profile and market value, making it increasingly difficult for Stuttgart to retain their talisman.

Wohlgemuth's optimism is not unfounded, though. "We believe in our project and the environment we have here," he emphasized, hoping that the team's recent success and future ambitions might persuade Guirassy to remain. 

However, he also conceded that the release clause presents a significant hurdle: "The clause is there, and it will attract attention. But we are working hard to show Serhou that his future can be bright with us."

Guirassy's potential departure could be a turning point for Stuttgart. While the ‚¬17.5 million release clause might seem modest in today's transfer market, it represents a substantial amount for a club like Stuttgart. The funds could be reinvested to strengthen the squad, but losing a player of Guirassy's calibre would undoubtedly be a setback.

As the transfer window approaches, the battle for Guirassy's signature is set to heat up. Stuttgart fans will be hoping that their star striker chooses to stay and build on this season's success. Meanwhile, clubs like Borussia Dortmund will be eagerly monitoring the situation, ready to swoop in if an opportunity arises.

In the end, Guirassy's decision will likely hinge on a combination of personal ambition, financial incentives, and the persuasive power of Stuttgart's vision for the future.

READ MORE: Mohamed Elneny leaves Arsenal after eight years