​Barcelona’s pursuit of Karim Adeyemi may have received a substantial boost as Borussia Dortmund begins building plans for a potential departure by the winger. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Dortmund is already assessing possible replacements, a signal that they are bracing for the possibility of losing one of their key attackers before the transfer window closes. The latest Barcelona transfer chatter arrives amid ongoing negotiations between the two clubs over the German forward. While Barcelona’s initial bid failed to persuade Dortmund, talks have persisted, and there is growing confidence that a negotiated settlement remains within reach.
With Adeyemi entering the final year of his contract, Dortmund are acutely aware that this period represents the last genuine opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee rather than risk losing him for free in 2027. One of the clearest indicators of Dortmund’s preparation for Adeyemi’s possible exit is their increasing interest in FC Köln youngster Said El Mala. Dortmund reportedly want El Mala to step in as Adeyemi’s potential successor if the move materializes. Plettenberg notes that Köln expect Dortmund to approach the 19-year-old attacker if Adeyemi’s transfer progresses. Although Dortmund has already gathered information on El Mala and discussed a potential financial framework, talks are ongoing, particularly since they are reluctant to meet the €50 million asking price.
That said, Dortmund’s interest in El Mala does not necessarily mean an agreement with Barcelona is imminent. Rather, it demonstrates that Dortmund are actively examining how their attacking options would shift should Adeyemi leave Signal Iduna Park this summer. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s sporting department remains optimistic despite their opening offer of €20 million being rejected. Dortmund felt the bid was well short of their valuation, especially after they invested around €30 million to sign Adeyemi from RB Leipzig. Rather than bowing out, Barcelona are expected to return with an improved proposal as ongoing discussions between the two clubs continue.
Barcelona remain confident about securing Karim Adeyemi, although no breakthrough has yet been achieved. Both clubs continue to reason through the negotiations: Barcelona recognize that they are unlikely to match Dortmund’s ideal asking price, while Dortmund’s negotiating leverage diminishes as Adeyemi’s contract approaches its expiry. From Dortmund’s vantage point, finding a suitable replacement before authorizing a sale is equally vital, which helps explain their heightened focus on Said El Mala.
For the time being, discussions over a potential move for the Köln youngster are proceeding independently of Barcelona’s talks, maintaining a degree of separation between the two negotiations while both sides gauge the evolving transfer landscape.