FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement for the transfer of German attacker Karim Adeyemi. This development follows reports of Barcelona’s interest in strengthening their attack for the upcoming season. Adeyemi, who has been with Dortmund since 2022, is expected to join Barcelona on a five-year deal.
The agreement between the clubs was reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Details of the transfer include a fixed fee along with additional add-ons. Borussia Dortmund has also secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Adeyemi’s Journey to Barcelona
Adeyemi’s move to Barcelona comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his future at Dortmund. His contract was set to run through June 2027, but discussions about an extension had stalled, making a summer transfer increasingly likely. Reports, including one from Marca, indicated that Adeyemi had already agreed to personal terms with Barcelona and expressed his desire to join the Spanish champions during this transfer window.
Dortmund had reportedly been seeking a substantial fee to approve a deal for the player. Adeyemi joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg in 2022, arriving as one of Germany’s promising attacking talents. During the 2025-26 campaign under coach Niko Kovac, Adeyemi participated in 28 Bundesliga matches, making 15 starts. He averaged over 42 minutes per appearance in the league, contributing seven goals and four assists. In the UEFA Champions League, he added three goals and two assists, concluding the campaign with approximately 10 goals and six assists across all competitions.
Despite these contributions, his role at Dortmund remained inconsistent, with the club often utilizing him as a rotational option rather than a regular starter. This inconsistent standing at the club was mirrored by challenging contract negotiations.
Contract Negotiations and Future Plans
Previous reports from German newspaper Bild suggested that extension talks were nearing collapse due to significant differences between the two parties. Adeyemi, now represented by agent Jorge Mendes, was reportedly seeking a notable salary increase and an exit clause in any new agreement. Dortmund, however, showed little inclination to meet these demands, particularly given the winger’s performances and injury issues over the past few seasons. Ruhr Nachrichten also reported growing frustration among club executives as negotiations failed to progress.
Adeyemi, however, publicly addressed some of the speculation in June, stating that reports surrounding the negotiations had been exaggerated. Speaking to WAZ, he mentioned that he does not closely follow media reports but is constantly sent news about alleged salary demands that are not accurately reported. He reiterated his commitment to Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing his appreciation for the club and his strong attachment to it. He also stated that receiving a clear signal from the club regarding their plans would ultimately determine his future.
Barcelona’s interest in Adeyemi aligns with coach Hansi Flick’s tactical approach, which emphasizes a high-intensity system. Flick has previously worked with Adeyemi within the German national team setup and values his speed, versatility, and pressing capabilities. Adeyemi’s ability to play on either wing or through the middle would provide another dynamic option alongside players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. This pursuit also reflects Barcelona’s strategy of acquiring young players with significant potential while managing financial constraints under La Liga’s salary regulations. The transfer agreement was reached in the last 45 minutes, according to reports.
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Source: bavarianfootballworks.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
