Barcelona sign German winger Karim Adeyemi from Dortmund in €22m deal

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In brief

How it came to this

15 JulAdeyemi flies to Barcelona
16 JulMedical and contract formalities completed
23 JulTransfer officially announced by Barcelona

Transfer details

Barcelona have signed Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, 23 July. The 24-year-old German winger flew to Barcelona on 15 July and completed his medical the following day, but the official announcement was delayed while the clubs finalised contract details. He was unable to train with his new teammates until the agreement was sealed. He signed a deal until 30 June 2031. The fixed transfer fee is €22 million, with variable add-ons reported between €7 million and €9 million, depending on individual performance and collective objectives. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause. Adeyemi had one year left on his Dortmund contract, giving the German club limited leverage.

“FC 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.”

FC Barcelona

Adeyemi's profile

Born in Munich on 18 January 2002 to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, Adeyemi holds dual German and Nigerian nationality. He came through the youth systems of TSV Forstenried and Bayern Munich before joining Red Bull Salzburg, where he won three Austrian Bundesliga titles and one cup. He moved to Dortmund in 2022 and made 146 appearances across all competitions, scoring 36 goals. In the Bundesliga alone, he played 98 matches, contributing 23 goals and 17 assists, while in the Champions League he added 16 goals and 7 assists in 48 games, reaching the final in 2023-24. Across his entire professional career, he has played 312 matches, netting 107 goals and providing 66 assists. Last season he recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in 41 appearances but was left out of Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup. His standout attribute is speed: he set a Bundesliga record of 36.65 km/h during a 5-1 win over Freiburg in the 2022-23 season. A left-footer, he typically operates on the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger foot.

Karim Adeyemi's goals by competition

Data from the article text

Reunion with Flick

The move reunites Adeyemi with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who handed him his senior Germany debut at age 19 while the player was still at Salzburg. Flick backed the signing, believing Adeyemi's pace, left-footed shot and ability to attack space behind defences fit his tactical approach. Adeyemi is expected to serve primarily as a right winger, providing rest for Lamine Yamal, and can also operate on the left or as a centre-forward. Swedish youngster Roony Bardghji is set to leave on loan to make room in the squad.

Attacking reshuffle

Adeyemi is Barcelona's second attacking addition of the summer, following Anthony Gordon's arrival from Newcastle United. The forward line has been reshaped after Robert Lewandowski departed for Chicago Fire and Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. Barcelona continue to search for a central striker, while Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Spanish media also report that the club is pursuing defensive reinforcements, with Aymeric Laporte and João Cancelo mentioned as targets.

What's next

Adeyemi will be presented at the Spotify Camp Nou and is expected to join pre-season training immediately. His arrival does not close the door on further signings, as Barcelona aim to strengthen the squad for the 2026-27 season under Flick. The German winger will compete with Gordon, Raphinha and Yamal for minutes in a revamped attack that still lacks a dedicated number nine.