Barça closes in on Benzema’s successor as Ittihad’s big move faces a stall

Barça enters the transfer race as Ittihad's Benzema replacement plan risks stalling

The management of Ittihad Jeddah fears missing out on a high‑profile summer deal due to Barcelona's aggressive market moves.

According to the Spanish outlet Sport, Guinea‑born striker Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund stands out as a strong candidate to step in as Benzema’s successor for the forward line of the “Al‑Ittihad” after Benzema’s move to Al‑Hilal during the previous winter mercato.

Barça eyes Guirassy as a cost-conscious solution

The Saudi club has long prioritized strengthening its attack, but concerns are growing in the corridors about Barcelona's serious interest, which could derail negotiations and push the player toward La Liga.

Barcelona is already planning to influence the negotiations between the player and the Saudi club, listing Guirassy among its main targets to bolster the attack as they prepare for the new season.

Read also: Oppressor or victim? Benzema crisis in the balance of reality and history.

Barcelona’s search for a striker for the coming season comes amid uncertainty over Lewandowski’s future with the Blaugrana, pushing the club to explore strong attacking options that offer impact without breaking the bank.

The 30-year-old Guirassy, under contract with Dortmund until 2028, is considering his options this summer. While he remains open to Saudi offers, sources close to the player suggest he could await a call from Barcelona before taking a final decision.

The Argentine Julián Álvarez has been cited as another top target, but Barca’s sporting director Deco is known to prefer affordable options, which makes Guirassy an attractive fit for a cost-conscious plan that still promises immediate help in attack.

All the while, Lewandowski’s future remains uncertain, leaving Barcelona to keep its attacking options warm for any contingency, and to maintain pressure on potential transfer partners.

In the end, Guirassy’s profile could meet Barça’s needs for a reliable number nine who can contribute quickly, but the recruitment race will hinge on Dortmund’s willingness to part with him and on how quickly Barcelona articulates its calls to action.

Punchlines: 1) If football transfers were a coffee, Barça’s order would come with extra shots and the price would still be unclear. 2) The transfer market is basically a dating app: lots of swipes, a few matches, and a final decision that takes forever—and somehow you still end up with a match you didn’t even swipe right for.