Serhou Guirassy earned a shower of warm smiles when surprisingly changing sides.

Serhou Guirassy (L) of Stuttgart heads the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Stuttgart, Germany, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

Usually, the French-born Guinean international's job is to score goals on a football pitch. However, the 27-year-old this time turned into a persistent autograph hunter traveling through his side's locker room until he had collected what he had desperately been looking for.

After his record 13th Bundesliga goal in just seven games this season, the striker enthusiastically canvassed his teammates to ask them for a signature on a football to create a unique trophy for him.

The Stuttgart striker became the first to reach that mark after only seven matches in the league's history, outpacing revered players such as Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland.

In 2020/21, Lewandowski achieved 11 and ended up with 41 at the end of the season, setting a Bundesliga record.

After securing Stuttgart's fifth consecutive victory when beating Wolfsburg 3-1, Guirassy's three goals saw his side continue to ride the wave.

The forward promised to find "a place of honor at home for a ball that has special memories for me."

Stuttgart's decision to decline lucrative offers for Guirassy in recent months seems justified, especially given the international interest he has garnered.

After acquiring Guirassy for nine million euros, Stuttgart have extended his contract until 2026, which includes a reported exit clause for next summer valued at around 20 million euros.

In the previous league campaign, the French-born forward netted eleven goals in 22 matches and provided one assist, even after a lengthy injury hiatus, and helped his club avoid relegation.

While coach Sebastian Hoeness praised the attacker as "a complete package not only bound to the box", managing director Fabian Wohlgemuth was busy denying further offers from Europe's top clubs.

Guirassy has found himself at the center of speculation about his future, despite a valid contract until 2026 and his commitment to Stuttgart.

"He is the head of our success, but is keeping his feet on the ground," Hoeness said.

Meanwhile, Wohlgemuth is aware that every goal the striker scores increases the interest of European football's leading clubs.

"We keep in close contact with his agent and have agreed to openly speak about possibilities," the official said, adding that he was insistent on wanting to keep the striker.

The media talk about Stuttgart's intention to buy out the exit clause. CEO Alexander Wehrle said he is optimistic of Guirassy staying at the club.

Born in France, Guirassy climbed through the second league but took time to make his mark at the top level. After three underwhelming years in Cologne, he returned to France with Stade Rennes until Stuttgart secured him in 2022.

For the striker, it might be a good idea to keep on scoring goals over the upcoming weeks as he is to miss several league games due to his participation at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in January and February next year.

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