Karim Adeyemi: Barcelona set to strike double blow to Man United | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are primed to strike a double blow to Manchester United after storming into the race for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, Fabrizio Romano reveals.

Silky Speedster

Adeyemi, 24, has been a long-term target for Manchester United, with interest ramping up in recent months as INEOS look for a new winger. Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle, the Germany international is a nightmare for defenders to cope with, owing to his potent pairing of speed and skill.

Ranking as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history – clocking in at a top speed of 36.65 km/h – Adeyemi offers a lethal threat in behind. But he is not simply a pace merchant; rather, he is a strong dribbler with a deadly right foot.

A downturn in form last season saw him return 10 goals and five assists, compared to 12 goals and 11 assists the year before. However, there were reports of clashes with Dortmund’s coaching staff amid a difficult campaign for Edin Terzić’s side.

Die Schwarzgelben are understood to be willing to sell the Munich native for a fee in the region of €65 million (£55m). Manchester United are joined in the hunt by Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, while European champions Paris Saint-Germain are another admirer.

Barcelona strike first

It is Barcelona who have struck first in this red-hot race, however, with Romano confirming the Spanish giants have tabled an “official bid” for Adeyemi, which was first reported by Gerard Romero.

Tweet: “BREAKING: Barcelona submit official bid to Borussia Dortmund for Karim Adeyemi. Negotiations ongoing with BVB as @gerardromero reported. Adeyemi wants Barcelona as ONLY club to join this summer. Barça made their bid and want Adeyemi now, waiting on BVB decision.”

And in a crushing blow to his other suitors, with Manchester United chief amongst them, the winger is understood to only want to move to Camp Nou this summer. Club-to-club negotiations are ongoing between Barcelona and Dortmund, but the direction of travel indicates Adeyemi will be moving to Catalonia sooner rather than later.

Yet this deal presents a second significant blow to the Red Devils, as it further rules out the possibility the Blaugrana will revisit their interest in Marcus Rashford.

The 28-year-old England international, currently on duty for the Three Lions at the World Cup in North America, spent last season on loan with Barcelona. A £26 million buy-option was included in the deal, which had appeared a formality after he helped his adopted side retain their LaLiga title.

But in a surprise twist, Barcelona opted against making Rashford’s stay permanent, instead trying to renegotiate a cheaper deal or, more preferably, a fresh loan. United firmly rejected this, preferring to bring him back to Old Trafford and find a new buyer, rather than compromise on their position.

However, the market for an ageing forward, wholly reliant on speed to be effective, with a wage packet in excess of £300,000 a week, has proven a tough sell. Clubs have expressed interest, but nothing is advanced, nor does anything look likely to be anytime soon.

The fact that Barcelona may now not even want to sign Rashford on loan, having already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United as they look to add Adeyemi as well, could pose a major problem for INEOS as the summer window progresses.

Featured image Leon Kügeler via Getty Images

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