Manchester United eyes move for discontented Borussia Dortmund star
Manchester United is reportedly considering acquiring Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. The 23-year-old forward has found himself at a critical juncture in his career.
Karim Adeyemi’s Background
Adeyemi joined Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022. Since then, he has made 121 appearances, scoring 29 goals for the Bundesliga side. Known for his exceptional speed, his highest goal tally in a single Bundesliga season has been seven, achieved in 2024/25. Additionally, he has contributed 13 assists in 80 league matches.
Strained Relationship with Management
Despite his regular appearances, Adeyemi’s relationship with Dortmund’s manager, Nico Kovac, is reportedly tense. Following a game against Koln on October 25, Kovac criticized Adeyemi for throwing a water bottle at the bench after being substituted. “It’s okay to be angry sometimes, but that’s unnecessary; he’s an adult,” said Kovac.
Recent matches have seen Adeyemi substituted early, including a recent draw with Hamburg, leading to increased speculation about his future at the club. Although he has not been sidelined, the dynamics between him and Kovac may complicate ongoing contract negotiations.
Contract Situation and Potential Transfer
Adeyemi’s current contract with Dortmund runs until 2027. Reports suggest that discussions regarding a new deal are underway, but hurdles remain. The forward desires a long-term contract with a £70 million release clause, which his agent, Jorge Mendes, is advocating for. However, Dortmund is hesitant about including such a clause.
- Current Deal Expiry: 2027
- Transfer Interest: Manchester United
- Potential Release Clause: £70 million
Unless a resolution is reached regarding his contract, Dortmund may opt to sell the forward next summer to avoid losing him for free later.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
Dortmund faced a significant defeat, losing 4-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this month. After the game, Kovac commented on Adeyemi’s performance, noting areas for improvement. “Karim has a lot of potential but needs to enhance his precision and accuracy,” he stated. “We are committed to helping him develop, especially with the demanding schedule.”
As Manchester United weighs its options for new talent, Karim Adeyemi remains a captivating prospect amid an unsettled situation at Dortmund.