RB Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi has reportedly turned down Barcelona in favour of a move to German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund next summer.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Barcelona’s pursuit of Karim Adeyemi is set to end in disappointment as the German sensation has opted to join Borussia Dortmund over the Catalan giants in the summer of 2022.
Adeyemi has been with RB Salzburg since 2018, when he signed from German outfit Unterhaching. The youngster had a successful eighteen-month loan spell at FC Liefering, which ended in December 2019. He has since grown into a regular at his parent club, with 2021, in particular, proving to be a successful year for the striker.
Indeed, Adeyemi was part of the German national team that won the Under-21 European Championship earlier this year and then broke into the senior squad for Die Mannschaft, even scoring a goal on his debut. Meanwhile, he has also been in terrific form for Salzburg, bagging 15 goals in 26 matches across all competitions.
Naturally, many top clubs across Europe have taken a liking towards Adeyemi, with Barcelona among the German’s suitors. The Catalan giants had established contact with the German international’s camp over a potential move while they were also believed to have submitted a written offer to secure his signing.
It is no secret that Barcelona are in desperate need of a new No. 9, as Sergio Aguero could be forced into early retirement after being diagnosed with a heart condition. Meanwhile, Luuk de Jong does not have a role in new manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans, whereas Memphis Depay has struggled to make an impact playing in a central role.
As a result, the Blaugrana are in the market for a new striker, with numerous players like Edinson Cavani of Manchester United, FC Basel’s Arthur Cabral being linked, along with Adeyemi. However, they now look set to miss out on the latter’s signing as he has his heart set on a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The report states that the 19-year-old wants to develop and succeed in Germany and establish a foothold in the national team with an eye on the European Championships in 2024. Dortmund are known to develop youngsters, having had tremendous success over the years with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, among others.
And, it seems like they might be set to add the name of Adeyemi to the list as well in the summer. As for Barcelona, they will now have to look at other options to bolster their attacking unit.
