Barcelona agree deal to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign Germany international Karim Adeyemi as Hansi Flick continues to reshape his attacking options ahead of the new season.

The La Liga champions have agreed to pay a fixed fee of €22 million (£18.7m), plus performance-related add-ons and a sell-on clause, after seeing an initial €20m bid rejected.

The transfer has not yet been formally completed, but all parties are confident the remaining details will be finalised in the coming days.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has remained in the United States during the World Cup and has continued working on transfer business while attending matches involving Spain.

Adeyemi arrives after four seasons with Borussia Dortmund, where he established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s quickest and most versatile forwards.

The 24-year-old joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg in 2022 and went on to score 36 goals while providing 25 assists in 146 appearances across all competitions.

He also played a key role during Dortmund’s run to the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final, starting eight matches before the German side were beaten by Real Madrid at Wembley.

Last season, Adeyemi was used primarily as a central striker and finished the campaign with 10 goals and six assists in 39 appearances.

His campaign was interrupted by injuries and inconsistent form, ultimately leading to his omission from Germany’s squad for the World Cup.

Reports throughout the summer suggested Adeyemi was open to leaving Dortmund, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

Aston Villa were among the clubs credited with long-term interest, although Barcelona moved quickly once the opportunity emerged.

Adeyemi becomes Barcelona’s second major attacking signing of the summer after Anthony Gordon’s arrival from Newcastle United.

The Catalan club have also created space in their forward line following Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire and the decision not to activate the buy option in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement from Manchester United.

Despite strengthening out wide, Barcelona are still understood to be pursuing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as they continue planning for the future of their attack.

Flick is believed to value Adeyemi’s pace, pressing intensity and versatility, with the German capable of playing on either wing, as a central striker or in a supporting attacking role.

However, the former RB Salzburg forward faces stiff competition for regular minutes alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Gordon.

Barcelona believe Adeyemi still has significant room for development and hope a change of environment under Flick can help him fulfil the potential that has made him one of Germany’s most highly rated attacking players.