Karim David Adeyemi: A Rising Star with Barcelona in His Sights

At just 21 years old, Karim David Adeyemi stands as a fully established footballer in the elite ranks. Developed in the youth ranks of Bayern Munich, this forward burst onto the professional football scene with Salzburg before making a triumphant return to the Bundesliga.

Barcelona had been closely monitoring his progress with the Austrian club. Adeyemi, a candidate for the 2021 Golden Boy award ultimately claimed by Barcelona’s Pedri, garnered significant interest from the Barcelona sporting directorate. In the winter transfer window of 2021, the club explored the possibility of bringing him in as part of Xavi’s new project, succeeding Ronald Araujo.

Despite Barcelona’s hesitation, Borussia Dortmund took decisive action, securing his transfer from Salzburg for €30 million plus variables. Barcelona, in turn, ended up paying €55 million plus €10 million in variables to Manchester City for Ferran Torres. The club rounded out its forward reinforcements with the loan signing of Adama Traoré and the free-agent acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, Adeyemi remains on Barcelona’s radar, and the feeling is mutual. The German striker continues to express his affinity for the Blaugrana, despite being under contract with Dortmund until 2027.

In May of the previous year, Adeyemi, highlighted as the most effective player in a football study covering the top five leagues, signaled his preference for Barcelona. He liked a comment from a fan suggesting him as a potential replacement for Ansu Fati in the Culés team.

In a recent interview, when asked about the best player he had faced, Adeyemi didn’t hesitate to name Ronald Araujo. Despite his youth, Adeyemi has already played 144 official matches, including the Champions League, between Salzburg and Dortmund, scoring 44 goals and providing 32 assists. Moreover, he has made his debut for the German national team.