Barcelona's Pursuit of Karim Adeyemi: A Strategic Rebuild

Barcelona’s summer rebuild under Hansi Flick has taken another step, with the Spanish champions moving for Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi as they reshape an attack that has already lost some heavyweight names.

Barça push for Adeyemi

A source has told ESPN that Barcelona have lodged an offer for Adeyemi, 24, and are confident they can tempt Dortmund into a deal at a reduced fee despite his contract running until 2027. The Catalan club have already thrashed out a loose agreement with the player over personal terms, but the move is still in the negotiation phase with Dortmund.

The message from inside the talks is clear: this is not done yet. The deal is “not imminent” and “nothing has been signed,” the source said, with Dortmund under no pressure to sell quickly given Adeyemi’s contract situation.

What is clear is Barça’s intent. They want Adeyemi as part of a broader attacking reset, not as the solution at centre-forward.

Separate from the No. 9 chase

Barcelona’s pursuit of Adeyemi runs alongside, not instead of, their search for a new No. 9. Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez remains the primary target for that role, and president Joan Laporta has already confirmed that a bid has gone in for the Argentine, who has publicly admitted he wants to leave Atlético.

The strategy was set months ago. Back in March, ESPN revealed that Barça, at Flick’s request, were planning a major shake-up of their front line despite winning back-to-back LaLiga titles. Flick wanted more pace, more flexibility, more variety in the final third. The club has responded by ripping up a forward line that had become familiar, if at times predictable.

Robert Lewandowski has already gone, leaving on a free transfer to join Chicago Fire. Marcus Rashford’s loan spell ended with his return to Manchester United. Ferran Torres has entered the final year of his contract, a situation that naturally drags him towards the exit. Roony Bardghji could also depart, adding another layer of uncertainty out wide.

Gordon in, more to follow

Barça have not stood still. They have already landed England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a €70 million deal, a statement signing designed to inject direct running and goals from the flank.

Yet even with Gordon on board, the recruitment team see gaps. Lamine Yamal is the jewel of the right side. Raphinha offers industry and experience. Gordon brings Premier League tempo. Adeyemi, they believe, offers something different again.

The Germany international can play across the front line, comfortable attacking from either wing or operating centrally. His pace and willingness to stretch defences would give Flick another weapon, a contrast to the more technical, creative profiles of Yamal and Raphinha and the high-energy, touchline-hugging style of Gordon.

Adeyemi’s Dortmund record

Adeyemi first came to wider prominence at Red Bull Salzburg, where his acceleration and directness marked him out as a classic product of that high-intensity system. Dortmund moved quickly to secure him in 2022, and he has now completed four seasons with the Bundesliga club.

Across 146 appearances for Dortmund, Adeyemi has scored 36 goals, including 10 in 39 games in all competitions last season. Those numbers are solid rather than spectacular, but Barcelona are betting on the profile as much as the output: a forward entering his prime, used to Champions League football, and capable of operating in multiple roles in Flick’s fluid front three.

For Dortmund, the decision is more nuanced. Adeyemi is tied down until 2027, giving them leverage in any negotiation. Barcelona, for their part, are pushing for a cut-price deal, knowing the player’s versatility makes him a valuable rotation piece in a squad that will be stretched across domestic and European fronts.

The talks continue. The champions have already changed the face of their attack. Whether Adeyemi becomes the next piece in Flick’s new-look forward line may say a lot about how ruthless — and how ambitious — Barcelona really intend to be this summer.