What new signing Serhou Guirassy could bring to Borussia Dortmund?

Despite having three strikers on the books, Borussia Dortmund are on the verge of signing a new striker in Serhou Guirassy. With a release clause of just 18 million euros, he would require a lower fee than most quality strikers with this kind of goalscoring prowess. However, any signing carries risk and there are a few question marks surrounding the 28 year old's signing. Will he be a one season wonder or is he is the real deal? Can he make a similar impact at BVB as he did for Stuttgart under a clearly defined tactical plan?

The Player

Final product

Serhou Guirassy's 2023-24 campaign of a combined 33 goals and assists showcased his sublime ability and helped him earn a big move and a payday. He proved a versatile striker for a surprise Stuttgart side that finished second in the league. Guirassy is tall and mobile, and fits the type of striker Nuri Sahin is used to playing with. He will be expected to lead the line for BVB as they look to bounce back from a weak Bundesliga campaign.

Guirassy has an overall xG of 73.5 in top flight leagues with 77 goals to his name, and he scored 28 goals from 20.8 xG this past season. His four best campaigns by npxG+xAG have come in the last four years with the last two being his best by xG. This suggests that he has improved rather it being a fluke campaign. Further, Guirassy put up an impressive 6.6 xAG but registered only three assists. Niclas Füllkrug, in this past season, had 8 assists on just 3.1 xAG. While Guirassy's unreal goal numbers may decrease at BVB, his creative numbers could well get better.

Build-up play

Despite attempting 7 passes per 90 more than Füllkrug, Guirassy's pass completion is 15% higher while attempting more dangerous passes. Despite the notion that Füllkrug was needed for BVB's direct play, he received just over 4 progressive passes per 90. Guirassy, on the other hand, received nearly 7.5. His abilities are highlighted in his numbers. He is better technically than Füllkrug and has better mobility, allowing him to provide more options than simply contesting aerial duels. Guirassy also showed how impressive he is by forming a strong partnership with Deniz Undav in a front two as well as when playing as a solo striker.

Guirassy will look to prove his form as a complete forward was not a fluke as Sahin will likely ask him to run the channels, receive direct balls and play as a poacher. This versatility will be important as it will open up space in midfield that was closed off by back-lines pushing higher up against BVB this season.

Julian Brandt and Marcel Sabitzer could benefit greatly from this, as the former will have space to pick a pass and run at the defence while the latter will be given more space and freedom.