Barcelona summer signing set for debut against Birmingham City this Friday | OneFootball

Barcelona have completed two summer signings so far, bringing in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.

The former is still away on holiday as he continues to recover after an impressive World Cup, but Adeyemi is already with Barça and training with the team.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the German attacker is expected to make his first appearance as a Barcelona player this Friday after Hansi Flick decided that he is ready for match action.

Adeyemi will debut against Birmingham City after completing another productive week of training during Barcelona’s pre-season camp at St George’s Park in England.

Flick ready to unleash new signing

The 24-year-old was named on the bench for Barcelona’s friendly against CE Europa last week after arriving with limited training behind him.

Debut imminent. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Having spent much of the previous period working individually in the gym before completing his move, Flick felt the winger needed more time to build his fitness before exposing him to competitive action.

That situation has now changed. The German tactician believes his compatriot is physically ready to feature against Birmingham.

While the match itself is only part of pre-season, it will offer an early indication of how Flick intends to use the forward, particularly in transition and wide attacking areas, where his pace has long been one of his biggest strengths.

Since he can play anywhere across the frontline, it will also be interesting to see where the Barcelona manager chooses to use him initially during pre-season.

Flick believes Adeyemi is ready to play. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

An important first step

Barcelona did not sign Adeyemi simply to make an immediate impact in pre-season. The objective is to have him fully prepared for the start of the competitive campaign.

Friday’s appearance is just the beginning of what everyone hopes is a long stint in Blaugrana for the German forward.

With players like Gordon, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres set to return late, Adeyemi has a chance to get a head start and establish himself for Hansi Flick.

It remains to be seen how he fares against Birmingham and what the fans can expect from the newest summer signing.