Karim Adeyemi is set to join Barcelona, with the official announcement being the last step before the German forward completes his move to Camp Nou.
The striker has already arrived in Barcelona, passed his medical examinations, and is now awaiting the signing of his contract, which is contingent on club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco returning from the United States.
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The formal announcement is expected early next week.
While Barcelona awaits confirmation, Borussia Dortmund has publicly acknowledged Adeyemi’s departure by bidding farewell to one of their key attacking players.
The farewell included a candid statement from head coach Niko Kovac, who admitted that replacing the Germany international will be challenging.
Dortmund officially say goodbye to Karim Adeyemi
Kovac confirmed that Borussia Dortmund will miss Adeyemi. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)
Following Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 friendly victory over RW Oberhausen, Kovac stated that the squad had already bid farewell to Adeyemi before his transfer to Barcelona.
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“We’ve said goodbye to him. When Karim was in the dressing room for the last time, we all said our goodbyes and even had a chat for a while.
“We wish him all the best if everything goes well, and we’re confident it will. Now we’re focusing on the players who are here and those who are yet to join us,” said Kovac, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Kovac explains what Dortmund will miss
In addition to wishing the forward well, Kovac elaborated on the challenges Dortmund will face in replacing him.
The Croatian coach pointed out Adeyemi’s speed as a significant asset the team will miss in the upcoming season.
Karim Adeyemi has signed for Barcelona. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
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“Karim had his strengths, that’s clear. What we’ll undoubtedly lose is pace. With his pace, we were able to create dangerous situations.
“But we’re working on it. We’ll make every effort to find suitable replacements – or even better ones – for the players who have left. It’ll be difficult.”
It must be noted that Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on a deal worth €22 million plus a further €7 million in performance-related add-ons for the German, whose contract was expiring in 2027.
With Adeyemi entering the final year of his Dortmund contract and eager to join Barcelona, negotiations progressed quickly, leading to an agreement between both clubs.