Barcelona announce Karim Adeyemi arrival as Dortmund forward signs until 2031

Barcelona have completed the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund in a move aimed at adding more pace, intensity and attacking depth to Hansi Flick’s squad.

The Catalan club confirmed the arrival of the 24-year-old forward on Thursday, with Adeyemi putting pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2031.

The deal sees Barcelona pay Dortmund a fixed fee of €22 million (£18.7m; $25.1m), with additional performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause included in the agreement.

Adeyemi departs the Bundesliga side one year before the expiration of his contract after four seasons in Germany, bringing an end to a spell that produced flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency.

His move comes after Dortmund rejected Barcelona’s initial €20 million proposal earlier in the summer before negotiations progressed between the two clubs.

Flick wins race for forward despite Premier League interest

Barcelona moved quickly to secure Adeyemi’s signature despite competition from Aston Villa, who had maintained long-standing interest in the German attacker.

The forward’s preference earlier in the transfer window was reportedly a move to the Premier League, but Barcelona’s interest and Flick’s personal approval helped convince him to make the switch to Spain.

Adeyemi arrives at Camp Nou after registering 10 goals and six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions last season. Although he was primarily used through the middle of Dortmund’s attack, he remains capable of operating effectively on either flank.

Since joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, the German has contributed 36 goals and 25 assists in 146 appearances.

One of his biggest moments came during Dortmund’s run to the 2024 Champions League final, where he started eight of the club’s 12 matches before featuring in the 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.

Barcelona reshape attack after major summer changes

Adeyemi’s arrival strengthens Barcelona’s attacking options following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati, who have moved to Chicago Fire and Monaco respectively.

The club also decided against activating the €30 million purchase option for Marcus Rashford after his loan spell from Manchester United, while adding Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in an €80 million deal.

However, Adeyemi’s signing does not end Barcelona’s pursuit of another major attacking target. The club’s priority remains securing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, with the Argentina striker viewed as the preferred long-term replacement for Lewandowski.

Despite his arrival, Adeyemi faces a major challenge to earn regular starting opportunities. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha remain key figures on the wings, while Gordon’s arrival has increased competition in the forward positions.

Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus explained that Adeyemi’s signing reflects Flick’s desire to improve the team’s pressing ability as much as its attacking quality.

The German coach has placed huge emphasis on aggressive pressing and winning possession high up the pitch, and Adeyemi’s speed and defensive work rate fit that philosophy.

Adeyemi arrives with talent but questions over consistency

While Adeyemi possesses undeniable ability, his career has also been marked by periods of inconsistency.

During parts of the 2024-25 season and the first half of the 2025-26 campaign, he emerged as Dortmund’s most influential player, using his pace and movement to become a devastating counter-attacking threat.

However, maintaining that level has been a challenge. His tendency to produce outstanding spells before disappearing from games remains one of the biggest concerns surrounding his move to Barcelona.

The forward must also improve aspects of his game, including his first touch, decision-making and overall technical reliability if he hopes to succeed at a club where expectations are significantly higher.

Adeyemi was also left out of Germany’s World Cup squad this summer after struggling with fitness and form towards the end of the season.

Flick, who handed him his senior international debut in 2021, believes there is still significant potential to unlock.