Manchester City have reportedly been handed a major transfer opportunity as Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy could be available for just €50 million (£44m / $58m) due to a special clause in his contract.
According to German outlet Bild, the Guinean forward has an unusual release clause that can only be activated by a select group of elite clubs.
Among them are Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Barcelona — all permitted to meet the lowered fee should they wish to bring the prolific attacker on board.
Guirassy’s release clause, which stood at €75 million (£65m / $87m) last summer, will reportedly drop by €25 million in 2026, making him an even more appealing prospect for top European sides seeking firepower up front.
The report also adds that the striker earns a base salary of €181,000 (£158,000 / $210,000) per week, but his representatives believe a move to one of Europe’s top clubs could see that figure rise significantly.
The timing of the report is intriguing for Manchester City, given their growing reliance on Erling Haaland this season. The Norwegian talisman has been the driving force behind City’s Premier League campaign, scoring 11 of the club’s 17 league goals — a staggering 64.7 percent of their total output.
While Haaland’s ruthless efficiency continues to define City’s attacking strength, the figures highlight a pressing concern for manager Pep Guardiola: a potential over-dependence on his star striker. Should Haaland face an injury spell, City could be left dangerously short of a consistent goal threat.
Guirassy could offer Pep Guardiola the perfect balance
Serhou Guirassy could partner Erling Haaland at Man City and emerge as the perfect complement to Norwegian. The Guinean forward has proven his worth across multiple leagues, netting 153 goals in 350 senior appearances, an impressive record that underlines his consistency and finishing prowess.
Known for his composed finishing, physical strength, and intelligent off-the-ball movement, Guirassy combines traditional striking instincts with the ability to link play effectively.
His knack for making penetrating runs behind defences and clinical nature in front of goal make him a player capable of both complementing and covering for Haaland when needed.
A move to the Etihad would not only ease the pressure on the City striker but also offer Guardiola another high-quality option to rotate in attack because Serhou Guirassy could partner Erling Haaland. With Manchester City competing on multiple fronts — including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups — depth in the striking department remains crucial.
However, Guardiola may already feel his squad has the necessary backup following the January signing of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £59 million.
Marmoush, who excelled in the Bundesliga, offers a slightly different skill set. Unlike Guirassy, he is versatile enough to play as a left winger or attacking midfielder, making him an adaptable piece in Guardiola’s tactical system.
Unfortunately, Marmoush’s start to life at City has been hindered by a knee injury, restricting him to just four appearances so far this season. His return to the bench during City’s recent victory over Everton, however, signals a potential comeback that could strengthen Guardiola’s attacking options heading into a congested fixture period.
Despite Marmoush’s arrival, interest in Guirassy remains strong among Europe’s biggest clubs — particularly in Spain.
City’s decision: To strengthen or trust the current setup?
Guardiola’s challenge lies in squad management. With Phil Foden and Marmoush all able to contribute in advanced roles, adding another striker could risk congestion in attacking positions.
Yet, Guardiola has never shied away from competition within his squad — a principle that has repeatedly driven City’s success.
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As the Premier League title race intensifies with Arsenal and Liverpool posing credible threats, strengthening depth could prove decisive.
Guirassy’s potential arrival would not only safeguard against injury setbacks but also bolster City’s tactical variety — something Guardiola has often valued when adjusting formations mid-season.
Whether City decide to act on the clause remains to be seen, but the opportunity is clear. For €50 million, they could secure a proven, adaptable, and clinical striker.
