From Álvarez to Guirassy: Barcelona's striker search hits another massive financial roadblock

With FC Barcelona facing mounting obstacles in their ongoing pursuit of Julián Álvarez, the Catalan giants have reportedly targeted Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy as a potent "Plan B" to reinforce their frontline this summer.

Read Also: From World Cup controversy to Camp Nou: Barcelona enters bidding war with Spurs for Monaco's star

The financial roadblock

According to German outlet BILD, Barcelona recently enquired about the Guinean international's availability. While Guirassy's current contract includes a €50 million release clause, a transfer fee the Blaugrana board believes they can accommodate, the negotiations have hit a massive stumbling block regarding personal terms.

The 30 year old forward currently earns approximately €10 million annually in Germany.

This substantial wage packet sits significantly above Barcelona’s rigid new salary structure, forcing the club’s hierarchy to reject the deal under those specific financial conditions.

A proven goalscorer at Dortmund

Guirassy has been a revelation since swapping VfB Stuttgart for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024. Contracted to the Bundesliga heavyweights until 2028, he was one of the undisputed standout performers at the Signal Iduna Park last season.

During the 2025 /26 campaign, the clinical finisher proved his consistency at the highest level, registering:

• 22 Goals across all competitions
• 6 Assists
• 46 Total Appearances

Pivoting from Julián Álvarez to Serhou Guirassy represents a slight shift in Barcelona's tactical strategy. While Álvarez is a versatile, dynamic pressing forward, Guirassy offers a more traditional, physical focal point inside the penalty area.

However, Barcelona's financial reality remains their biggest opponent in the market. Acquiring a 30 year old on €10 million a year directly contradicts the club's ongoing economic recovery plan.

Unless sporting director Deco can convince the player to accept a heavily reduced or deferred wage structure, this deal remains dead in the water.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Borussia Dortmund