Karim Adeyemi is reportedly in talks to join Borussia Dortmund, leaving Barcelona and Real Madrid on the wayside in his pursuit.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been handed a major blow in pursuit of Karim Adeyemi. The Red Bull Salzburg striker has initiated discussions to join Borussia Dortmund as a long-term replacement for Erling Haaland.
Karim Adeyemi has become one of the most highly sought-after strikers in Europe on the back of a scintillating first half of the 2021/22 season. At the same time, he has also impressed when turning out for the German national side, having scored on international debut this year.
The 19-year-old has 15 goals and three assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this term, going from strength to strength with every passing week. Suffice to say, Adeyemi has attracted the who’s who of European football, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants hold a long-standing interest in Adeyemi, having also had a chance to snap him up a few years ago. Recent reports had also claimed that Barcelona had initiated contact with the 19-year-old. The Blaugrana’s need for a striker has been accentuated by Sergio Aguero’s unavailability due to a heart condition.
On the other hand, the player’s links with Real Madrid make a world of sense despite Karim Benzema’s excellent performances in recent years. However, the Frenchman is approaching the final phase of his career, while Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz face uncertain futures at the club. So, Adeyemi is the ideal candidate to come in and learn the ropes from Benzema before becoming a long-term successor for him.
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid look set to face defeat in pursuit of Adeyemi, as he is primed to join Borussia Dortmund when he leaves Red Bull Salzburg. According to Fichajes, the Bundesliga giants have already opened talks with the teenage prodigy and Salzburg over a possible transfer. The 19-year-old is viewed as a long-term replacement for Erling Haaland.
The Dortmund striker has coincidentally been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid and will likely end his spell with the Bundesliga outfit next summer. And Adeyemi could be just the player to fill Haaland’s boots at the Signal Iduna Park.