FC Barcelona is nearing a deal to sign Karim Adeyemi following a significant progress in talks with Borussia Dortmund, sources have informed ESPN.
On Thursday, ESPN reported that Barcelona had made an initial offer for the adaptable Germany forward worth approximately €20 million ($22.8 million), which was rejected by Dortmund. However, both clubs are now finalizing a new agreement that is expected to be worth an initial €22 million ($25 million), with an additional €7 million ($7.9 million) potentially coming from performance-related add-ons.
Borussia Dortmund will also receive a share of any profit if Barcelona sells Adeyemi in the future.
Barcelona is anticipated to finalize the transfer soon, with Adeyemi poised to become the club’s second signing of the summer, following the €70 million ($78 million) acquisition of England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Sources indicate that the acquisitions of Adeyemi and Gordon are separate from Barcelona’s efforts to secure a striker, as the club is still pursuing Atlético Madrid‘s Julián Álvarez to take over for the departing Robert Lewandowski.
Barça’s head coach Hansi Flick has worked with Adeyemi before, having given him his international debut when he managed the national team.
The 24-year-old forward is part of a strategic offensive revamp requested by Flick, which was initially reported by ESPN back in March.
This summer has already seen some notable departures. Veteran striker Lewandowski transferred to the Chicago Fire FC for free, while Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after his loan, and Ferran Torres is in the final year of his contract, with Roony Bardghji also potentially set to leave.
Barcelona has already rounded up the signing of Gordon and is now actively working to finalize Adeyemi and Álvarez deals.
These potential signings would enhance a forward line that currently features players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Torres.
Adeyemi’s versatility is an asset, allowing him to operate in any of the three attacking roles.
Having made his mark at Red Bull Salzburg, he joined Dortmund in 2022 and has since played four seasons with the club.
Across 146 matches for the German side, he has scored 36 goals, with 10 coming from 39 appearances in all competitions last season.