The Okaz newspaper revealed Al-Ittihad’s desire to sign a new striker next summer to fill the void left by Karim Benzema’s departure to Al-Hilal in the final hours of the last winter transfer window.
Al-Ittihad subsequently signed Moroccan star Youssef En-Nesyri, hoping to replace Benzema. However, the 28-year-old has yet to live up to expectations, scoring only 4 goals and providing 1 assist in 10 appearances for the club so far.
The Saudi club’s management is considering terminating En-Nesyri’s contract at the end of the current season and has already begun planning for a new striker who can carry the “Tigers of Jeddah” on his shoulders next season.
The club has reportedly settled on Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who is said to have already agreed to the move to Al-Ittihad.
The Guinean striker’s contract with Dortmund runs until the summer of 2028, but he wants to leave Signal Iduna Park, a desire shared by the German club’s management. This opens the door for a smooth transfer next summer, whether to Al-Ittihad or another club.
Guirassy’s contract with Dortmund includes a relatively low release clause. Some reports suggest it’s less than €50 million, while others claim it’s as high as €65 million.
In either case, this release clause shouldn’t be an obstacle to completing the deal, especially since the player believes a move to the Bundesliga is currently the best option for him, both financially and professionally.
Guirassy shone brightly with Stuttgart in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season before joining Dortmund for €20 million, where he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.
This season the 30-year-old has scored 18 goals and made 6 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions (Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup).
