FC Barcelona Target Signing Borussia Dortmund Pearl Karim Adeyemi To Replace Ousmane Dembele

FC Barcelona are targeting the signing of Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Karim Adeyemi to replace Ousmane Dembele or form a trident with the winger, according to reports.

Despite their financial predicament, being warned that they must shave €200 million ($212mn) from the wage bill and can’t make new signings in the summer as is by La Liga president Javier Tebas, the Blaugrana are already looking towards strengthening their squad next season.

Quality on the wing is said to be of concern to the Catalans’ president Joan Laporta, who is unsatisfied with the performances of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha.

Only Ousmane Dembele has been delivering top displays in that area of the pitch, but has been out of action since January after picking up a thigh knock against Girona.

Raphinha’s form has been erratic in the Frenchman’s absence. While he started well with a respectable return of goals and assists, he has been lacklustre since injuring himself when throwing a tantrum after being substituted by Manchester United in the Europa League.

Furthermore, Dembele’s paltry €50 million ($53.1 million) release clause means that the number 11 could still depart to a potential suitor such as Paris Saint Germain or Chelsea in the coming months.

With all this in mind, Barca are said to be focusing their efforts on possibly signing Adeyemi. The 21-year-old has often been talked about as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards in recent years but rose to more prominent attention with a winning goal against Chelsea in a Champions League last 16 first leg clash last month.

El Nacional believes that the Blaugrana will have to offer at least €75 million ($80 million) to wet Dortmund’s whistle, and it should also be remembered how hard the Germans bargained during the discussions which eventually led to a deal totalling €147 million ($157 million). Adeyemi has a contract until 2027 too.

One thing is for sure, though, Barca will have to offload a series of players to even consider bringing in reinforcements with Torres, Raphinha and Fati all likely to be placed on the chopping block alongside fourth choice defender Eric Garcia.