Karim Adeyemi's move to Barcelona is still being negotiated, not finished. Dortmund have turned down an opening €20 million offer, and they are already checking the market for a replacement while the clubs keep talking. Adeyemi is also entering the final year of his Borussia Dortmund contract, which makes this the last realistic chance for the German club to get a fee before 2027.
Dortmund's replacement search
The clearest signal that the deal is still moving is Dortmund's own planning. They are looking at replacements, including 19-year-old FC Köln winger Said El Mala. That does not confirm an exit on its own, but it does show Dortmund are preparing for one.
The fee picture is still split. One line of reporting has Barcelona's first bid at €20 million, turned down by Dortmund. Another says the eventual package could be €22 million plus €7 million in add-ons. Those are not the numbers of a deal that has been fully locked in yet, but they do point in the same direction.
The contract clock and Barcelona's timing
Adeyemi's contract situation is the bigger pressure point for Dortmund. With only one year left, they cannot afford to let the situation drift for long if they want to extract value. That is why the replacement search matters, because it fits the logic of a club that expects movement.
Barcelona's side is easier to read in football terms. They want another forward, and this pursuit sits alongside a broader attempt to keep adding quality rather than standing still. Their 2025 La Liga title came with 94 points and a +59 goal difference, but their fifth-place finish in the Champions League league phase also underlines why more attacking depth still looks attractive.
Adeyemi's recent Dortmund usage also suggests a player who is still part of the team picture while the market moves around him. In his last five appearances, he played 11, 18, 26, 45 and 89 minutes. He scored 2 goals in those five games, which is enough to explain why Barcelona are pushing, even if Dortmund are not rushing to accept the first offer.
For now, the deal looks closer to the bargaining stage than the announcement stage. Barcelona have tested Dortmund's valuation, Dortmund have started preparing for life without him, and the next step is whether the two clubs can bridge the gap before the window moves on.
FAQ
Will Barcelona sign Karim Adeyemi this summer?
The move is not done, but the talks are active. Barcelona had an opening €20 million offer rejected, while Dortmund are already checking the market for replacements, including 19-year-old FC Köln winger Said El Mala.
Why is Borussia Dortmund looking at replacements for Karim Adeyemi?
Adeyemi is in the final year of his Dortmund contract, so this is the last realistic chance for Dortmund to secure a fee before 2027. Their search for replacements, including Said El Mala, suggests they are preparing for an exit rather than assuming he stays.
How far apart are Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund on Karim Adeyemi?
One report says Barcelona’s opening bid was €20 million and Dortmund turned it down. Another says the package could end up at €22 million plus €7 million in add-ons, which shows the fee is still being negotiated rather than settled.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →