Dortmund's €22m price tag haunts Barcelona as Adeyemi shines

Borussia Dortmund are already questioning the €22 million they demanded for German forward Karim Adeyemi’s move to Barcelona, a deal that also includes up to €9 million in add‑ons. Seven games into his Barça career, the striker is already attracting attention from Hansi Flick.

Barcelona agreed an initial €22 million fee, a relatively low sum given Adeyemi’s contract runs until 2027. The agreement allows the total value to rise by another €9 million through performance‑related add‑ons. Barça secured the German without a massive outlay, hoping to add depth to their attack.

Impact on the pitch

In just seven appearances Adeyemi has already recorded three goals and three assists. He featured in Barcelona’s 7‑2 demolition of Racing Santander, delivering eight shots, six successful dribbles and four created chances. He also recovered the ball five times, won two penalties and supplied an assist.

His style forces defenders to retreat, as he prefers to run at opponents rather than recycle possession. This creates space for teammates and makes his influence easier to spot than to quantify.

Adeyemi’s runs have altered Barcelona’s attacking shape, forcing defenders back and freeing space for teammates. Hansi Flick has admitted the German is a player he cannot afford to overlook, even though he has alternated between starts and substitute appearances.

Dortmund's price regret grows

Reports indicate Dortmund now regret the €22 million price tag they set for the German. The club’s decision is being questioned after watching Adeyemi make an immediate impact at one of Europe’s biggest sides.

Barcelona have not needed months for the forward to settle, and his contributions arrived despite him not being an automatic starter. His early return has therefore exceeded the expectations of a cheap squad addition.

The season remains in its infancy, so a final verdict on the transfer will have to wait. Both clubs will continue to assess whether the deal ultimately proves beneficial.