Reasons behind my decision to join Barcelona –Adeyemi
Karim Adeyemi has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to join Barcelona from Dortmund ahead of the 2026-27 La Liga season.
Barcelona announced the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Dortmund Thursday for a reported fee of 29 million euros including potential add-ons.
The German international put pen to paper on a five-year deal to swap Signal Iduna Park for Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana confirmed his signing with a statement on their website on Thursday.
The statement read: “Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement for the transfer of forward Karim Adeyemi, who has signed a contract with the Catalans until 2031.”
Adeyemi becomes Barcelona’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Anthony Gordon in June.
The 24-year-old revealed that he joined Barcelona because of the influence of Hansi Flick.
Adeyemi said: “I couldn’t believe it to be honest because I know what I can do and the last season was not the best.
“I am really thankful for this opportunity. [Barcelona boss Hansi Flick] was a big stone in everything because he said ‘I want you but I need you to give it all.’ For me, this was really impressive. I am honoured and thankful for this.”
Read Also: Iheanacho targets promotion with Bursaspor after penning three-year deal
Adeyemi is looking forward to playing alongside Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal.
He concluded: “The connection could be really good because he’s not only a good goal scorer or good dribbler, he can also create chances for every player. This is what I need, I am more of the guy who runs in behind and gets the ball from the players.
“I think he can be a big role and this is what we work on, to have a good connection, but with the whole team, to know each other. I am 100% sure it will be good.”
Barca coach Hansi Flick gave Adeyemi his debut for the German national team in 2021.
The attacker joined Dortmund in 2022 from Red Bull Salzburg, netting 36 goals in 146 games across all competitions during four seasons before his Barca switch.
Born in Munich on 18 January 2002 to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother, Adeyemi brings an exciting and versatile attacking profile to the Barça squad.
Throughout his career, he has shown his ability to play on either wing as well as through the middle as a centre-forward, combining blistering pace with a powerful left foot.
One of Adeyemi’s greatest strengths is his explosive acceleration and top speed. On 4 February 2023, he set a new Bundesliga speed record by reaching 36.65 km/h during a match against Freiburg.
Adeyemi runs a foundation that helps children develop through education and sport, operating primarily in Ibadan, Nigeria’s second-largest city.
