Serhou Guirassy’s release clause at Borussia Dortmund expired at midnight, leaving the Bundesliga club free to dictate terms for any potential sale of the Guinea international. The provision, set at just under €40 million, could only be triggered by a select group of Europe’s wealthiest sides, effectively giving those elite clubs exclusive access at a fixed price.
According to the specific terms of his contract, the buyout option was restricted to an elite tier comprising Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. Despite this privileged position to recruit the 30-year-old, none of these clubs moved to secure the striker before the deadline passed, leaving the German side in complete control of the player’s future.
Rejection of Turkish interest
While the continent’s most financially powerful clubs declined to pursue the forward, Turkish side Fenerbahce expressed concrete interest in bringing Guirassy to Istanbul. The Süper Lig outfit were prepared to offer an attractive package, but the player ultimately rejected the opportunity. This decision suggests Guirassy’s preference to remain at Signal Iduna Park, at least for the immediate future.
With the release clause now void, Borussia Dortmund can negotiate freely with any potential suitors. The club are no longer bound by the fixed €40 million valuation, meaning the final transfer fee will depend entirely on market demand and the relative bargaining positions of interested parties.
Defensive counterpart
The expiry of Guirassy’s clause coincided with a similar development involving teammate Nico Schlotterbeck. Broadcaster Sky Germany confirmed that both players’ buyout provisions lapsed simultaneously. The defender had signed a contract extension until 2031 that included a release mechanism for specific “dream clubs”, but this option has now terminated.
Schlotterbeck picked up a ligament injury during Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign, making any immediate departure unlikely regardless of contractual status. Borussia Dortmund now hold full control over both players’ futures, though the central defender’s fitness situation suggests he will remain at the club while recovering.
Negotiating position
Guirassy’s departure remains possible during the current window, though the dynamics have shifted significantly. Without the clause acting as a mechanism for instant recruitment by elite sides, any move would require protracted negotiation between Dortmund and buying clubs.
The striker will continue to feature in the squad unless a suitable offer materialises that satisfies both the player and the club. For now, Dortmund sporting officials can demand fees above or below the previous €40 million benchmark according to their assessment of market conditions and the relative urgency of potential buyers.