Barcelona launch €20m bid for Borussia Dortmund attacker

Barcelona have submitted an opening €20 million bid to Borussia Dortmund for Germany winger Karim Adeyemi as they step up efforts to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.

The Catalan club have already reached an agreement with the 24-year-old on personal terms, with Adeyemi set to sign a five-year contract if the two clubs finalise a transfer fee.

Dortmund are holding out for €40 million, but Barcelona remain confident they can negotiate a lower fee because Adeyemi is entering the final year of his contract and has declined to sign an extension.

The Bundesliga club also risk losing the winger on a free transfer when his current deal expires in June 2027.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is understood to have personally identified Adeyemi as a priority target and wants him available for the start of pre-season.

The German coach is said to have played a key role in convincing the winger to choose Barcelona ahead of other potential destinations.

Barcelona sporting director, Deco, is also a strong admirer of Adeyemi and believes the Germany international has significant untapped potential that can be developed under Flick’s tactical system.

Barcelona view Adeyemi as a key part of their attacking rebuild following Robert Lewandowski’s departure to Major League Soccer and the end of Marcus Rashford’s loan spell.

The club plans to pair the winger with new signing Anthony Gordon and Spain star Lamine Yamal as part of a revamped frontline.

Negotiations between Barcelona and Dortmund remain ongoing, with the Spanish champions hopeful of completing the transfer within the next 10 to 15 days.