Flick's dream signing: what Barcelona expect from Adeyemi deal | OneFootball

For a long time, Karim Adeyemi no longer seemed happy in Dortmund. A departure for the 24-year-old striker was drawing ever closer. Now the illustrious FC Barcelona is the new club of the lightning-quick winger. But what role is the former BVB pro actually supposed to play in Hansi Flick’s (61) star-studded squad?

Adeyemi has signed for Barça until 2031. Borussia will receive a transfer fee of 22 million euros for the attacking player. The amount could rise by up to a further nine million through bonus payments. In addition, the Bundesliga club secured a sell-on clause.

The player himself explained his move to Spain by pointing to the man on the bench. Flick was even “the main reason,” the 11-time international admitted. “He told me what the club needs, and I’m here to prove it,” he added.

Important role in Flick’s plans

Given the competition in Barcelona, the question is how often Adeyemi will actually play. On the right wing, the 24-year-old has none other than Lamine Yamal (19) ahead of him. New signing Anthony Gordon (25) from Newcastle United, for whom Barça even paid 80 million euros, is also pushing for a starting spot out wide. In addition, the squad includes another world-class forward in Raphinha (29), although he is often troubled by injuries.

Photo: Getty Images

Adeyemi’s greatest asset is likely his speed. In February 2023, he sprinted across the pitch at a top speed of 36.65 km/h in the Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg. His versatility increases his chances of getting playing time. In Flick’s 4-2-3-1 system, not only is the right-wing position an option, but also a central role or a spot on the left. He can also rotate in the attacking midfield positions with Yamal, Dani Olmo (28), and Fermín (23).

With his work rate, Adeyemi seems tailor-made for Flick’s pressing style. Yet that was exactly something he lacked at times in Dortmund. One of the reasons why things never quite worked out between the player and BVB.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.