Barcelona has acquired German forward Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.
According to ESPN sources, the transfer is valued at an initial €22 million ($25 million), with an additional €7 million ($7.9 million) possible through performance-related add-ons.
As part of the agreement, the Bundesliga outfit will also receive a share of any profits that Barça might make from a future sale of Adeyemi.
Adeyemi, 24, departs Dortmund after four seasons and becomes Barcelona’s second signing this summer, following the €70 million ($78 million) acquisition of England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick expressed a strong interest in signing Adeyemi, having previously given him his first Germany call-up when he was managing the national team.
“To be honest, I couldn’t believe it because I know what I’m capable of, and last season wasn’t my best,” Adeyemi said about joining Barcelona. “I am really grateful for this opportunity. [Hansi Flick] was crucial in this decision, as he told me ‘I want you, but I need you to give your all.’ That really impressed me. I feel honored and thankful for this.”
Adeyemi mentioned that Flick’s influence played a key role in his move to Barcelona, and regarding his potential partnership with Lamine Yamal, he stated: “I believe our connection could be strong because he is not only a good scorer and dribbler; he can create chances for every player. I thrive on making runs and receiving the ball from others.”
“I think he can play a significant role in this, and we are working on building a good rapport, not just within our connection but with the entire team. I’m 100% confident it will work out well.”
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Adeyemi brings versatility, capable of playing in all three attacking roles. He netted 36 goals in 146 appearances for Dortmund after transferring from RB Salzburg in 2022.
Despite the arrivals of Adeyemi and Gordon, which enhance a forward line featuring Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, sources suggest that Barça is still on the lookout for a No. 9.
Additional insights from ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.
