Manchester United have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund Karim Adeyemi, who appears to be at a crossroads in his profession.
The 23-year-old joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 and has gone on to attain 29 goals in 121 appearances for the German side.
He is thought for his rapid pace greater than being prolific in front of goal, along with his best Bundesliga return being seven goals within the 2024/25 season.
The Germany international has also provided 13 assists in his 80 Bundesliga outings.
While he continues to be playing often for Dortmund, his relationship with manager Nico Kovac is reportedly strained.
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The forward was substituted off in a win over Koln on October 25 and drew criticism from his manager for throwing a water bottle on the bench.
‘I believe that’s unnecessary,’ said Kovac. ‘It’s okay that he may be offended sometimes, but that’s unnecessary, he’s an adult.’
Adeyemi was hauled off again in a draw with Hamburg last weekend, with Kovac quite clearly frustrated with a few of his decisions on the pitch.
He has not fallen out of favour, but things between player and manager usually are not ideal, which is a potentially difficult time to enter talks over a brand new contract.
Dortmund could money in unless contract talks progress
Adeyemi’s current deal runs until 2027 and Bild report that talks are underway over a brand new contract, but there are sticking points.
The forward wants a long-term deal and his agent, the recently signed up Jorge Mendes, is pushing for a £70m release clause.
An agreement could possibly be reached, but Dortmund are reportedly not keen on the concept of a release clause, which could prove problematic.
Mendes has been behind recent big-money moves to Manchester United, including Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro and the Red Devils are touted as suitors for Adeyemi if the contract situation can’t be resolved.
Together with his deal expiring in 2027, Dortmund would very likely money in on the forward next summer while they will.
‘He has quite a lot of potential and desires to enhance’
Earlier this month Dortmund were beaten 4-1 at Manchester City within the Champions League, after which Kovac was asked about Adeyemi.
‘I would like to maintain it general: the passing quality that City showed in comparison with us was higher,’ he said. ‘Karim had a couple of situations, but he didn’t succeed. He lacked precision and accuracy. But I’m satisfied that he earned the possibility in the primary place.
‘We work hard, we had many games, and we are able to’t train often. Karim is 23 years old, he has quite a lot of potential and desires to enhance on some things. But that’s what we’re working on.’
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