Borussia Dortmund’s message to Barcelona new signing Karim Adeyemi: ‘We wish him all the best’ | OneFootball

Karim Adeyemi is on the verge of becoming a Barcelona player, with only the official announcement separating the German forward from completing his move to Camp Nou. 

The striker has already arrived in Barcelona, successfully undergone his medical examinations and is now waiting to sign his contract once club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco return from the United States.

As such, the formal announcement is expected early next week. 

While Barcelona transfer news awaits confirmation, Borussia Dortmund have already accepted the reality of Adeyemi’s departure by publicly saying goodbye to one of their most dangerous attacking players.

The farewell from the Bundesliga club included an honest assessment from head coach Niko Kovac, who admitted replacing the Germany international will not be easy.

Dortmund officially say goodbye to Karim Adeyemi

Kovac admits Borussia Dortmund will miss Adeyemi. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)

Speaking after Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 friendly victory over RW Oberhausen, Kovac confirmed that the squad had already bid farewell to Adeyemi before his move to Barcelona.

“We’ve said goodbye to him. When Karim was in the dressing room for the last time, we all said our goodbyes and even had a chat for a while. 

“We wish him all the best if everything goes well, and we’re confident it will. Now we’re focusing on the players who are here and those who are yet to join us,” said Kovac, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Kovac explains what Dortmund will miss

Apart from wishing the forward well, Kovac also explained why Dortmund face a significant challenge in replacing him.

The Croatian coach highlighted Adeyemi’s speed as one of the biggest qualities his team will lose heading into the new season.

Karim Adeyemi has signed for Barcelona. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

“Karim had his strengths, that’s clear. What we’ll undoubtedly lose is pace. With his pace, we were able to create dangerous situations. 

“But we’re working on it. We’ll make every effort to find suitable replacements – or even better ones – for the players who have left. It’ll be difficult.”

It must be remembered that Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have agreed a deal worth €22 million plus a further €7 million in performance-related add-ons for the German, whose contract was expiring in 2027.

With Adeyemi entering the final year of his Dortmund contract and keen to join Barcelona, negotiations progressed relatively quickly before both clubs reached an agreement.