Key events
The really interesting thing about Guirassy is that he scores different types of goals. Left-foot, right foot, dinks, headers, tap-ins, when he’s through on goal and from long range. There’s obvious talent here. The below video, from earlier in the season (where started with 15 goals from nine league appearances) is good evidence of that.
Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy has a release clause of just €17.5m. Only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé have scored more goals than the Guinean striker in Europe’s top five leagues, so understandably there is interest from abroad. West Ham desperately need a striker, with Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio all sidelined with injury.
However, Manchester United are lurking and could compete for Guirassy. Rasmus Højlund has not lived up to expectations, Marcus Rashford is struggling, and once again the club are looking for a short-term fix up top. Where is Odion Ighalo when you need him?
It should be mentioned that Guirassy is 27 years of age. He’s been a streaky striker at best throughout his career, but has had a mammoth 2023-24, scoring 19 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. He’s benefitted massively from a change in tactics at Stuttgart, who only narrowly avoided relegation last season. This year, they are third, just behind Bayern, with Guirassy the focal point of the attack, in front of three attacking midfielders. He’s not a wonderkid or an irrepressable young talent. He’s a vastly improving striker that fits very well into his current tactical system. The question is whether that form could continue in a different system, a different team, a different country. I think he would be an excellent buy for West Ham. For Manchester United, I’m not so sure.
The Rumour Mill is live and doing god’s work.
Preamble
Monday morning in the UK and we hit the mid-way point of the January transfer window. There is a lot to discuss. West Ham’s need for a new striker. Tony Mowbray’s new-found enthusiasm for the Birmingham City buffet. West Ham’s need for a new striker. Brighton wonderkids. Oh, yes.
We’ll start with Jordan Henderson. He’s reportedly not happy in Saudi Arabia and itching for a move back to Europe – he’s had enough of “growing the game” after six months out there. His club, Al-Ettifaq, don’t want to lose the 33-year-old, and that’s fair enough, because they signed him to a three-year deal in July.
However, Ajax have been linked with Henderson and manager John van ‘t Schip spoke to ESPN last night, insisting there had been “serious talks” with the midfielder.
There is serious talk going on with Henderson. He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia. It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.
Let’s see if there are any further developments today.
