Adeyemi unfazed by Yamal competition after Barcelona move

New Barcelona signing Karim Adeyemi says he is not worried about competing with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for a place in Hansi Flick’s side, insisting he is confident of earning opportunities if he performs at his best.

The Germany international, who completed his move from Borussia Dortmund last week, is currently with Barcelona at their pre-season training camp in England as preparations for the new campaign gather pace.

Adeyemi revealed that coach Hansi Flick needed little persuasion to convince him to join the Catalan giants.

“The word ‘convince’ is not accurate. He simply called me and asked if I wanted to join. I answered, ‘Of course, because it’s the biggest club in the world, and these opportunities don’t come around often.’ He didn’t need to convince me. I’ve trusted him for a long time, and I have great respect for him.”

Ready to fight for his place

Competition for places in Barcelona’s attack is expected to be fierce, particularly on the right flank, where Yamal has established himself as one of the club’s most important players.

However, Adeyemi made it clear that he welcomes the challenge.

“No, I am not afraid of any player. I know that if I do my best, I will have the opportunity to play.”

The 24-year-old also highlighted his versatility as one of his greatest strengths.

“I have speed, of course, but I also have other things that I contribute to the game: speed, I’m good in one-on-one situations, I can play on the wing, as a striker… I think I’m versatile and I think that’s what makes me somewhat different, maybe.”

Flick connection key to move

Adeyemi believes his close relationship with Flick, built during their time together with the German national team, will help him settle quickly in Spain.

“I hope that (Flick) sees in me what I can offer the team on the field. He knows me well from the German national team, and our relationship is very close.”

The forward also reflected on facing Barcelona with Dortmund in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals, a tie that ended with the Spanish club progressing despite losing the second leg in Germany.

“What a fantastic thing! It’s one of the best games you can play. You’re facing a great team, a historic club, and you always have a great incentive when you play against the best. The two games were very difficult, but we enjoyed them.”

“We almost won. If we had a little more luck, we would have won.”

Champions League remains ultimate ambition

Adeyemi admitted that lifting the Champions League trophy remains his biggest dream after coming close with Dortmund in 2024.

“Of course, my dream is to win the Champions League. I almost won it, but unfortunately we lost (when he reached the final with Dortmund in 2024), and that is my dream. That is what I strive for every day.”

The German international is optimistic about Barcelona’s prospects this season and believes the club can challenge on every front.

“I have a feeling that this season will be very special, and I hope we will win many titles. Great achievements await us; we want to achieve everything, and we are capable of doing so. This is what we train for, and we do our best every day.”

Eyes on Germany return

Adeyemi also hopes that strong performances in Spain will earn him a return to the German national team.

“I think so, but in the end I have to prove it on the field. I alone decide whether I will return to the national team or not. I am convinced that if I play well, I will be there.”

Asked to name the greatest player he has faced, Adeyemi pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo, while describing Lionel Messi as the finest footballer overall.

“We faced each other once, but he wasn’t at his best.”

Away from football, however, Adeyemi insists he prefers to switch off from the game.

“Honestly, I have never been the type of person who knows everything about every player and every name. Some people might call me stupid for that, but when I am at home, I just want to do things other than football.”