Karim Adeyemi: Man United’s inside track to sign Borussia Dortmund star

It makes sense, therefore, that Adeyemi is also under consideration, given the Germany international has played on both sides for club and country. The 24-year-old also possesses electric speed, ranking as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history.

Too often, imports from Germany have struggled to adapt to the frantic pace of Premier League football, such as Jadon Sancho or Shinji Kagawa. Adeyemi would not face this same struggle, with defenders in England likely to be terrified at the prospect of having to keep up with him.

United are long-term admirers of the Munich native, having come close to making advances in previous windows – but it now appears they are finally ready to strike, with a well-known figure offering hope of a deal.

The Mendes Effect

Despite Dortmund’s attempts to agree an extension, Adeyemi’s contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in 2027. He is understood to be keeping talks “on hold” after frustrations with head coach Niko Kovac, while there is a growing sense a move to England beckons.

A release clause worth “around €80 million” is said to be a key sticking point in negotiations over a new deal, further strengthening the idea that Adeyemi’s time with Die Schwarzgelben is over even if an agreement is found.

The winger is represented by Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese super-agent with whom United have agreed numerous transfers in recent years. The most notable example was in the summer of 2024, when he helped broker the signings of both Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte in the same window.

The presence of Mendes, described accurately as a “harbinger of major transfer deals”, offers INEOS an inside track for Adeyemi through a contact with whom they have an excellent working relationship.

Furthermore, the German is approaching the final year of his contract, weakening Dortmund’s position. The club are “likely to open negotiations in the range of 65-70 million euros,” Fussball Daten concludes.

Given United have been quoted a price as high as €100 million for Diomande, while Everton will demand a similarly exorbitant fee for Ndiaye, it makes sense that a ‘cheaper’ option, in the range of £55-60m, like Adeyemi has emerged as a frontrunner.

Final Thoughts

Adeyemi’s speed and versatility in the frontline are two outstanding qualities, though his output – seven goals and four assists in the league – raises some concern over how this will translate in the Premier League.

However, the reports of discontent with the Dortmund coaching staff and disciplinary problems off the field are red flags United cannot ignore. INEOS have tried to eradicate these types of issues since taking the helm at Old Trafford, as Marcus Rashford found out in no uncertain terms.

Adeyemi is a risk, both on and off the pitch, at a price that the club cannot afford to miss out on. By contrast, Diomande is a physical beast with an outstanding attitude and mentality; he remains the standout option if United want to buy a winger in Germany this summer.

Feature image Pau Barrena via Getty Images

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