​Barcelona has reportedly reached a breakthrough agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign Germany international Karim Adeyemi, as head coach Hansi Flick continues to reshape his attacking options ahead of the new season. The La Liga champions are prepared to pay a fixed transfer sum of €22 million (approximately £18.7 million), complemented by performance-related add-ons and a sell-on clause, after an initial €20 million bid was rejected. Although the deal has not been formally completed, confidence remains high that the remaining terms will be settled in the coming days.
Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has stayed in the United States throughout the World Cup period and has kept transfer negotiations active while attending matches featuring Spain. Adeyemi arrives in Barcelona after four seasons with Borussia Dortmund, where he established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s fastest and most versatile forwards. The 24-year-old joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg in 2022 and proceeded to accumulate 36 goals and 25 assists across 146 appearances in all competitions. He played a pivotal role during Dortmund’s run to the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final, starting eight matches as the German side were defeated by Real Madrid at Wembley.
Last season, Adeyemi was predominantly used as a central striker and finished the campaign with 10 goals and six assists in 39 appearances. His form was hampered by injuries and inconsistencies, ultimately resulting in his omission from Germany’s World Cup squad. Throughout the summer, reports suggested Adeyemi was open to a move away from Dortmund, with several Premier League clubs tracking his situation. Aston Villa was among the clubs linked with long-term interest, but Barcelona moved quickly once the opportunity arose.
Adeyemi becomes Barcelona’s second major attacking signing of the summer, following Anthony Gordon’s arrival from Newcastle United. The Catalan club has also created space in its forward line after Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to Chicago Fire and the decision not to activate the buy option in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement from Manchester United. Despite strengthening the wide positions, Barcelona continues to be linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Álvarez as part of their broader forward planning for the future of the attack.
Flick values Adeyemi’s pace, pressing intensity, and versatility, with the German capable of operating on either wing, as a central striker, or in a supporting attacking role. However, Adeyemi will face stiff competition for regular minutes alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Gordon. Barcelona believes Adeyemi still has substantial room to develop and hope that a change of environment under Flick will unlock the potential that has established him as one of Germany’s most highly rated attacking talents. As the deal progresses toward its final signing, Barcelona aims to integrate Adeyemi smoothly into a dynamic frontline that seeks to maintain its transfer momentum and elevate the team’s attacking options for the upcoming season.