‘Only Kylian Mbappe is better' - Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy given 'world-class' billing as director addresses transfer rumours

Rumours have suggested that Guirassy’s representatives had approached other clubs about a transfer in the summer, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain linked amid talk of a special release clause in his contract. 

However, Kehl has dismissed any such claims, clarifying that there were no talks held with either the player or his entourage regarding a transfer. Furthermore, he stressed that the German side would not give up the striker they feel is better than all but one, pointing to his 13 goals in the Champions League last season as a big reason to keep him.

“A €70 million release clause? As a matter of principle, I don't comment on the details of the contracts, but I can reassure you that there were no conversations with Serhou or his agent over the summer about leaving the club," he told reporters. "He's been through difficult periods in his career but has matured incredibly. The numbers confirm this: top scorer in the Champions League last year, 31 goals in official matches in 2025. Only Kylian Mbappe has a better average and this shows the level we're talking about."

Dortmund will hope that Guirassy can recreate his excellent European form when their Champions League campaign kicks off with an away game against Juventus. The Guinean forward, who has already netted five times in four games across the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, will be leading the Black and Yellows' attacking third. His staggering 18 goal contributions - 13 goals and five assists - in 14 Champions League fixtures last term act as testament to his prowess.

Last season, as well as being the joint top-scorer in the Champions League alongside Barcelona’s Raphinha last season, Guirassy ended as the third-highest scorer in the German top flight. Only Bayern’s Harry Kane, who scored 26, had more goals than his and Patrick Schick's 21.