Official | Karim Adeyemi departs Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona | OneFootball

Karim Adeyemi’s transfer to Barcelona has been officially confirmed. The Borussia Dortmund forward – according to multiple sources – moves to Spain for a transfer fee of €22m plus €9m in potential bonuses and is set to earn a salary of around €6m per year. 

Karim Adeyemi’s Dortmund exit

Adeyemi’s Dortmund exit began taking shape while the attacker was still enjoying one of the strongest runs of his BVB career. By November 2025, the Germany international had changed agents, attracted interest from Manchester United, and entered difficult contract negotiations with Dortmund.

Adeyemi wanted an exit clause included in a proposed extension beyond 2027. BVB were reluctant to agree to such a provision. His estimated market value nevertheless rose from €45m to €60m amid a strong start to the season.

Niko Kovac continued to publicly back Adeyemi after the winger produced five goals and three assists in his first 16 competitive appearances. The Dortmund head coach even described the attacker as a world-class player following an excellent Champions League performance against Villarreal. Matters nevertheless began to deteriorate away from the pitch following the revelation of Adeyemi’s illegal weapons conviction.

The sporting relationship also grew more complicated. Adeyemi received a club fine after reacting angrily to his substitution against Gladbach in December. BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl stopped the player from heading directly into the dressing room and ordered him back to the bench. Kovac later confirmed that Adeyemi had apologized and would face no further punishment.

There remained signs that Adeyemi could rebuild his standing. He worked especially well alongside Maximilian Beier during the second half of the season and scored in an impressive March victory over Augsburg. The 24-year-old nevertheless never fully regained the momentum associated with his autumn form surge.

Dortmund ultimately accepted a Barcelona offer below Adeyemi’s €40m estimated market value. The 11-times-capped German international passed his medical and secured a move to Catalonia, bringing his four-year stay in the Ruhrpott to a close.

The transfer provides Adeyemi with a fresh start after a final Dortmund season defined by strong early form, stalled contract talks, disciplinary problems, and an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to re-establish himself.

Dortmund statements on Adeyemi’s departure

“Karim has been an important part of Borussia Dortmund over the past four years,” BVB sporting director Lars Ricken noted in a club statement. “We wish Karim and his family all the best for the future.”

“I’d like to thank Borussia Dortmund for four great years,” the player himself added. “To the club, my teammates, and the fans, who made every game special with their support. I wish BVB all the best for the future.”

GGFN | Peter Weis