Barcelona Eye Explosive Dortmund Star After Man Utd Links Collapse – Where Would He Fit In?
Karim Adeyemi, a star for Borussia Dortmund, is reportedly being watched by Barcelona, and TEAMtalk has examined how he would fit into Hansi Flick’s attacking possibilities.
Adeyemi joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in July 2022 for €38 million (then £32.5 million).
Since then, the versatile forward has made 115 appearances for Dortmund, tallying 29 goals and 22 assists. Adeyemi is yet to taste more cutlery at Dortmund, after winning three Austrian crowns and three Austrian Cups with Salzburg.
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The 23-year-old finished the previous season in strong form and has been dangerous in recent games this season as well.
In September, he scored in three straight games against Wolfsburg and Mainz in the Bundesliga and Juventus in the Champions League. Adeyemi started in the 2024 Champions League final, which the German powerhouses lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Barcelona has been impressed by the winger’s recent performances and is “keeping a close eye” on him.
Barcelona is keeping an eye on Adeyemi’s contract negotiations with BVB to see if there might be an opportunity to bring him to La Liga.
Hiscurrent deal expires in June 2027, and Dortmund has been working on an extension, but the two parties have not been able to come to an agreement thus far.
Adeyemi has also contributed to Dortmund’s two Champions League victories thus far, helping them gain four points.
The Germany star may be acquired by Barcelona in 2026 for a lower price if he chooses not to extend his contract with Dortmund.
It is anticipated that Barca may “try their luck” for Adeyemi if the chance arises, as they are “searching for more attacking talent.” Manchester United was said to be in a strong position to sign him in March.
Kareem did not relocate to Old Trafford, though, as United ultimately chose to prioritise other forwards like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Barca supporters will be hoping that Adeyemi performs better than Ousmane Dembele, who made the similar move in August 2017, should such a transaction go.
Although Dembele is currently a Paris Saint-Germain Ballon d’Or winner, he had numerous injuries at Barcelona and fell short of his enormous €140 million asking price.
Despite his versatility, is Karim Adeyemi fit for Barcelona?
Go back to Adeyemi. He is a left-footed attacker who prefers to play as a center-forward or a right flank, where he can cut inside.
His primary role this season has been as a second striker, working directly behind Serhou Guirassy for Dortmund manager Niko Kovac.
A great quality of Adeyemi is his versatility, which allows him to play a variety of positions for Barca.
Hansi Flick will probably require a new center-forward for the upcoming campaign, and Adeyemi possesses the skills necessary to fill that position.
Goalkeepers may find it impossible to stop him from finishing because of his lightning-fast pace and explosive left foot.
Both Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres can play as central strikers, but Barca are known to be looking for a more seasoned No. 9 to replace Robert Lewandowski.
If Rashford’s outstanding play continues, they will probably exercise their €30 million (£26 million) buyout option to permanently sign him from United, but only if they can afford it.
Although Adeyemi can play as a right winger or second striker, and Lamine Yamal has mastered the latter position, making him one of the best players in the world, it is unclear if Flick and the Barca board will trust Torres to be the team’s primary No. 9, a position he obviously wants.
The young baller could compete with Roony Bardghji to be Yamal’s understudy, but it is unclear if he would be content to take on a backup role.
Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez are all capable of excelling at number 10, giving Flick a wide range of alternatives.
Even though he would have a difficult time breaking into the starting lineup, Adeyemi would be a nice addition to Barca’s frontline if he could be purchased for a low price.
According to reports, United has made an approach for a senior Barcelona player.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid thinks a “sensation” worth €30 million would prefer to join them over Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola has also talked about Barcelona’s desire to sign Haaland.
