​Barcelona are ready to deliver a double setback to Manchester United after rapidly maneuvering themselves into contention for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 24-year-old has long been on United’s radar, with heightened interest in recent months as INEOS seeks a new wide option. Adeyemi can operate on either flank or through the middle, and his combination of blistering pace and technical ability makes him a constant headache for defenders. Among the Bundesliga’s elite in terms of speed, he has reached a top sprint of 36.65 km/h, a figure that underscores his capacity to threaten in behind defenses. But his appeal goes beyond raw pace; he is also a capable dribbler with a precise right foot, capable of creating and finishing chances with a variety of shots and finishes.
Last season saw a dip in form, culminating in 10 goals and five assists, down from 12 goals and 11 assists the previous year. Reports suggested some friction with Dortmund’s coaching staff amid a challenging campaign for Edin Terzić’s side. Dortmund are believed to value Adeyemi at around €65 million (£55 million). In addition to United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs circling the Munich-born winger, with Paris Saint-Germain, European champions, also an admirer. However, it is Barcelona who have established themselves as early leaders in this heated race. Romano stated that the Spanish club have already submitted an official bid for Adeyemi, a development first reported by Gerard Romero.
Romano’s update was amplified on social media, with the tweet announcing: “BREAKING: Barcelona submit official bid to Borussia Dortmund for Karim Adeyemi. Negotiations ongoing with BVB as @gerardromero reported. Adeyemi wants Barcelona as ONLY club to join this summer. Barça made their bid and want Adeyemi now, waiting on BVB decision.” In a decisive turn, Adeyemi is believed to want a move to Barcelona as his sole destination this summer, leaving United and the rest to watch as talks progress.
Club-to-club negotiations between Barcelona and Dortmund are continuing, but the trajectory strongly favors a transfer to Catalonia sooner rather than later. This development compounds United’s problems, as it eliminates any chance that Barcelona would revisit their interest in Marcus Rashford. The England captain is currently with the national team at the World Cup in North America after spending the previous season on loan at Barcelona. A £26 million buy option was included in that arrangement, which had appeared straightforward after Rashford helped Barca clinch another La Liga title. Yet Barcelona chose not to exercise the buy option, instead seeking to renegotiate a cheaper permanent deal or, more likely, a fresh loan. United refused, preferring to bring him back to Old Trafford and pursue a separate permanent deal elsewhere, rather than concede on price.
The market for a winger who relies heavily on speed remains buoyant, but Adeyemi’s broader toolkit — including his dribbling ability, versatility across attacking positions, and still-impressive underlying potential — makes him a highly appealing asset for Barcelona. For United, the loss of a potential signaling signing in Adeyemi is a setback, especially as the club continues to assess options that align with their long-term strategy and recruitment philosophy. While Adeyemi’s destination appears increasingly likely to be Barcelona, United will still monitor the evolving market for capable wide players who can deliver direct impact and adapt to a demanding schedule in domestic and European competition.