​Borussia Dortmund’s winger Karim Adeyemi appears poised for a move to Barcelona, the Spanish champions, after Dortmund announced he had been released from pre-season duties to hold talks with another club. Reports from German outlets Sky and Bild had already suggested that Adeyemi’s destination is Barcelona, and that a deal was close to being finalized. Sky and Bild claimed that Dortmund and Barcelona, led by former Germany boss Hansi Flick, had agreed a transfer package consisting of 22 million euros plus up to 7 million euros in add-ons, with Adeyemi’s contract at Barcelona running through 2031.
Dortmund confirmed on X that Karim Adeyemi and Kjell Wätjen would not participate in today’s performance testing, stating that both players had been granted time off to discuss potential moves with other clubs. Adeyemi, who is 24 years old and whose contract with Dortmund runs until 2027, had previously informed the club of his wish to depart. The speedy winger joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg four years ago, in a deal that has seen him develop into a key first-team player in Germany’s top flight.
Flick first called Adeyemi up to the Germany senior squad in September 2021. Since then, Adeyemi has earned 11 international caps, though he was left out of the squad for the current World Cup by coach Julian Nagelsmann. Over his four years at Dortmund, Adeyemi has made 146 appearances in competitive matches and scored 36 goals, including seven in the previous season.
If the move to Barcelona goes through, Adeyemi would contend for playing time in a forward line that already features the likes of Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, and new signing Anthony Gordon, the England winger who joined from Newcastle United. Adeyemi’s arrival at the Nou Camp would add another option on the left flank and inject pace and goal threat into Barcelona’s attack, presenting head coach Xavi with a broader offensive repertoire.
The potential transfer also raises questions for Marcus Rashford, who had been linked with a move away from Manchester United and had hoped to remain with Barcelona after a loan spell there. Barcelona’s recruitment of Gordon and now the strong implication of Adeyemi joining the squad could complicate Rashford’s prospects at Old Trafford, given the competition for attacking roles and the club’s evolving squad dynamics.
Adeyemi’s departure would mark another notable exit from Dortmund during a period of squad reshaping, as the club seeks to balance expanding ambitions in European competition with financial and sporting constraints. The winger has developed into a versatile attacker capable of playing on either flank or as a wide forward, blending pace with direct running and an eye for goal. His potential move to Barcelona would be seen as a major upgrade for the Catalan club’s attacking options, reinforcing their frontline with a young, high-potential talent who has already proven his worth in Germany.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Adeyemi underscores their ongoing ambition to bolster the squad with dynamic wingers who can stretch defenses and deliver both goals and assists. If the deal is completed, Adeyemi would join a Blaugrana squad that is aiming to recapture its status as one of Europe’s elite teams, contending for domestic supremacy while challenging for the UEFA Champions League.
As the situation unfolds, Dortmund’s public confirmation that Adeyemi has been granted permission to speak to another club, combined with media reports of a concrete agreement, points to a rapid conclusion of the transfer process. Barcelona’s interest in bolstering their attack with pace and versatility aligns with Adeyemi’s skill set, making this potential move a key storyline in the early stages of the transfer window.