Adeyemi says Flick ‘main reason’ for choosing Barcelona in long-term move from Dortmund

Karim Adeyemi has revealed that new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was the decisive factor in his decision to join the Spanish club on a long-term deal from Borussia Dortmund.

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that the Germany forward has signed a contract at the Camp Nou until 2031, bringing an end to his spell in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.

Speaking at his unveiling press conference, Adeyemi said his compatriot Flick, who took charge of Barca earlier this summer, played a central role in convincing him to move.

“Flick is the main reason,” Adeyemi told reporters. “He told me what the club needs, and I came here to prove that.”

The 22-year-old explained that he and Flick held an in-depth discussion before the transfer was finalised, but insisted he did not request any assurances over his role in the team.

“We had a long conversation, but I didn’t ask him about my position,” Adeyemi said, in comments reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. “He asked me if I was ready and I said yes, and that I would give my best.”

Adeyemi described the move as a significant step in his career and underlined the uniqueness of the Catalan club.

“For me, it’s a big step,” he added. “It’s a club that is completely different from the others in the world.”

Reunion with former Germany boss

Adeyemi’s transfer means he will be reunited at club level with Flick, the coach who first handed him an opportunity with the Germany national team.

Flick previously managed the national side, the Mannschaft, and gave Adeyemi his senior Germany debut during his tenure in charge.

The forward will now work again under the 59-year-old as Barcelona look to build a new era under the former Bayern Munich and Germany coach.

Barcelona have not disclosed the financial details of the deal, but Adeyemi’s contract running until 2031 underlines the club’s long-term faith in the player.

The signing continues Barca’s policy of recruiting young talent capable of developing under Flick, who is attempting to reshape the squad while competing for major titles in Spain and Europe.