In their ongoing quest to bolster their attacking prowess, Manchester United is reportedly considering a January move for the Bundesliga’s top scorer after Harry Kane, Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy. Despite the substantial £72m investment in Rasmus Hojlund just five months ago, United seems eager to add more depth and versatility to their striking options.
The 27-year-old Guirassy has been a revelation for Stuttgart, finding the net an impressive 15 times in just 10 Bundesliga appearances. With a reasonable £15m release clause, he emerges as an enticing prospect to provide healthy competition for Hojlund. The Guinea international, who moved to Stuttgart permanently this summer after a successful loan spell from Rennes, has expressed his openness to playing in the Premier League.
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Guirassy acknowledged the allure of the Premier League, stating, “I cannot hide these things – everyone knows the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. But at this time I don’t close any doors.” He also emphasized his satisfaction with life at Stuttgart, highlighting the team’s potential for success. “At Stuttgart, we have such a good team, and everything is possible in football. If we can continue to be humble like we have been so far, then we have a good chance,” he added.
The pursuit of Guirassy aligns with Manchester United’s historical tendency to seek on-field solutions through player acquisitions rather than addressing potential issues within the team dynamics. This approach has sometimes led to challenges, as seen in the case of Donny van de Beek, who arrived with high expectations but struggled to make a significant impact due to deeper-rooted problems within the squad.
While the striking department has seen investment, the inconsistency displayed by Hojlund has prompted the club to explore additional options. Guirassy’s goal-scoring prowess and versatility make him an attractive prospect for United, and the £15m release clause could make the deal even more appealing.
Erik ten Hag, United’s head coach, is also keen on strengthening the defensive line with a new center-back. However, the club’s recruitment plans are currently in flux, awaiting the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn deal to acquire 25% of the club. Once Ratcliffe’s INEOS group takes control of football operations, transfer priorities could shift.
Despite off-field uncertainties, United’s recent performance in the Premier League has shown improvement, with five wins in the last six games, propelling them to fifth position. However, injuries continue to plague the squad.
