Karim Adeyemi talks Flick, Yamal, his Barcelona dream and more – “I’m not afraid of any player” | OneFootball

There is much excitement at Barcelona surrounding Karim Adeyemi this week, with the new signing from Borussia Dortmund set to make his unofficial debut in the upcoming friendly against Birmingham City this Friday.

Ahead of this clash, Adeyemi sat down with Mundo Deportivo to talk about various aspects of Barcelona, including the prospect of working under Hansi Flick and playing alongside Lamine Yamal.

Karim on joining Barcelona and working with Flick

Karin Adeyemi always wanted to join Barcelona. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

Adeyemi, who worked with Flick at international level, explained that the German coach did not need to do much persuading at all.

“Convince is the wrong word. He simply called me and asked if I wanted to go. I told him of course, because it’s the biggest club in the world and these opportunities only come once.

“He didn’t have to convince me. I’ve trusted him for a long time, and I have a lot of respect for him,” he said.

The winger is well aware of the strength of Flick’s relationship with him, and hopes it can help him flourish at the Camp Nou.

“I hope he sees things in me that I can contribute to the team on the field. He knows me very well from the national team and we’re very close,” Adeyemi added.

While Barcelona had shown interest in the past, Adeyemi confirmed nothing serious ever materialised until now. “There were some initial contacts, but nothing concrete,” he said.

The German is no stranger to facing Barcelona either, having gone up against them in the Champions League in 2025, a tie he remembers fondly.

“Wow. It’s one of the best matches you can play. You’re up against a great team, a great club, and you’re always motivated when you play against the best. Those two matches were really tough, but we enjoyed them,” he recalled.

Karim on facing competition from Yamal and co.

Adeyemi was notably asked whether he feared competing with Lamine Yamal for a spot in the side.

Karin Adeyemi is ready to compete for a place in the starting eleven. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

“No. I’m not afraid of any player. I know that if I give my best, I’ll have a chance to play,” he insisted.

That ambition extends to his hopes of forcing his way back into the German national team, something he believes rests entirely in his own hands.

“I think so, but ultimately I have to prove it on the field. Only I can decide whether I return to the national team or not. I’m convinced that if I play well, I’ll be there,” he explained.

Adeyemi also described the type of player Barcelona are getting, highlighting the versatility he feels sets him apart.

“I have speed, of course, but I also have other things to contribute to the game: I’m good in one-on-one situations, I can play on the wing, as a centre forward. I think I’m versatile and I think that’s what makes me somewhat different,” he said.

As for the season ahead, the winger is dreaming big, with one prize in particular firmly in his sights after falling short in the past.

“Of course, my dream is to win the Champions League. I almost did, but unfortunately we lost, and it’s my dream. That’s what I work for every day,” he concluded.