Borussia Dortmund make first move to replace Karim Adeyemi as Barcelona talks continue | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Karim Adeyemi may have received a significant boost after Borussia Dortmund began planning for the winger’s potential departure. 

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga club is looking at possible replacements, a move that suggests they are preparing for the possibility of losing one of their key attackers before the transfer window closes.

The latest Barcelona transfer news comes at a time when negotiations between the two clubs for the German forward remain active. 

Although Barcelona’s opening offer failed to convince Dortmund, discussions have continued, and there is growing belief that a compromise can still be reached.

With the German international entering the final year of his contract, Dortmund are also aware that the ongoing period is the last realistic opportunity to secure a sizeable transfer fee instead of risking losing him for nothing in 2027.

Dortmund begin planning for life after Adeyemi

One of the clearest signs that Borussia Dortmund are preparing for Adeyemi’s possible exit is their growing interest in FC Köln youngster Said El Mala.

Dortmund want Said El Mala to replace Barcelona target Adeyemi. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

According to Plettenberg, Köln expect Dortmund to make an approach for the highly-rated attacker if Adeyemi’s move progresses. 

While the Bundesliga side has already gathered information on the player and discussed the financial framework of a deal, there are still discussions taking place, especially since they are unwilling to match the €50 million asking price for El Mala.

That said, Dortmund’s interest in the 19-year-old winger does not necessarily mean an agreement with Barcelona has been reached, but it does indicate Dortmund are actively exploring how they could alter their attack if Adeyemi leaves Signal Iduna Park this summer.

For now, Barcelona’s sporting department remains optimistic despite seeing its opening proposal, worth €20 million, turned down. 

Dortmund felt the bid fell well below their valuation after investing around €30 million to sign the winger from RB Leipzig.

Rather than walking away, Barcelona are expected to return with an improved offer as talks continue between the two clubs.

Barcelona remain confident of landing Adeyemi

Barcelona are confident of signing Karim Adeyemi. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Although no breakthrough has been achieved yet, both clubs still have reasons to continue negotiating.

Barcelona know they are unlikely to match Dortmund’s ideal asking price, but they also understand the German club’s negotiating position weakens as Adeyemi’s contract moves closer to its expiry.

From Dortmund’s perspective, finding the right replacement before sanctioning a sale is equally important, which explains the growing focus on Said El Mala.

For now, discussions over a move for the Köln youngster remain separate from Barcelona’s negotiations, but the two situations are closely connected. 

If Dortmund succeed in advancing their search for a replacement, it could remove one of the biggest obstacles preventing Adeyemi’s departure.