FC Barcelona have officially confirmed the signing of Karim Adeyemi ahead of the 26-27 season, but their promotional announcement graphic does not fit what you would expect for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Karim Adeyemi has completed a move to Spanish side Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund. Adeyemi has joined Barcelona for a guaranteed fee of €22million (£18.8m; $25.2m), with add-ons potentially taking that beyond €30m, depending on performance. Dortmund have also secured a significant sell-on fee as part of the deal.
The German club had to sell Adeyemi this summer. He had one year left on his contract and has long intimated he would be unwilling to sign an extension. That presented an opportunity for Barcelona, who were made aware of Adeyemi’s availability by Jorge Mendes, his latest agent. Mendes enjoys a close relationship with Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s club president, and represents several of the Spanish champions’ players, including Lamine Yamal, Marc Casado and Alejandro Balde.
In football terms, Adeyemi will help fill the gap left by Marcus Rashford. Barcelona have decided not to make his season-long loan from Manchester United permanent, despite the 28-year-old England international forward contributing 15 goal involvements (eight goals, seven assists) in 35 La Liga appearances.
Adeyemi, 24, is an explosive player and a dangerous counter-attacker, but 23 goals in 98 German top-flight appearances is not, in itself, an overwhelming case for a transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the world. The 24-year-old made 146 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions, registering 36 goals and 24 assists. "I'd like to say thanks for four great years at Borussia Dortmund, to the club, my teammates and the fans who made every match special with their support. I wish BVB all the best for the future," said Adeyemi upon his departure.
Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken added: "Karim was an important part of Borussia Dortmund over the last four years. However, we came to the agreement this summer that both we and Karim see different futures for each other. "When Karim approached us with his wish to move to Barcelona, we agreed to this after weighing up all of Borussia Dortmund’s interests. We wish Karim and his family all the very best for the future."