Manchester United have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund Karim Adeyemi, who appears to be at a crossroads in his career.
The 23-year-old joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 and has gone on to score 29 goals in 121 appearances for the German side.
He is known for his rapid pace more than being prolific in front of goal, with his best Bundesliga return being seven goals in the 2024/25 season.
The Germany international has also provided 13 assists in his 80 Bundesliga outings.
While he is still playing regularly 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 at the bench.
‘I think that’s unnecessary,’ said Kovac. ‘It’s okay that he can be angry 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 some of his choices on the pitch.
He has not fallen out of favour, but things between player and manager are not ideal, which is a potentially difficult time to enter talks over a new contract.
Dortmund could cash in unless contract talks progress
Adeyemi’s current deal runs until 2027 and Bild report that talks are underway over a 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 be reached, but Dortmund are reportedly not keen on the idea 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 cannot be resolved.
With his deal expiring in 2027, Dortmund would very likely cash in on the forward next summer while they can.
‘He has a lot of potential and needs to improve’
Earlier this month Dortmund were beaten 4-1 at Manchester City in the Champions League, after which Kovac was asked about Adeyemi.
‘I want to keep it general: the passing quality that City showed compared to us was better,’ he said. ‘Karim had a few situations, but he didn’t succeed. He lacked precision and accuracy. But I am satisfied that he earned the chance in the first place.
‘We work hard, we had many games, and we can’t train regularly. Karim is 23 years old, he has a lot of potential and needs to improve on some things. But that’s what we are working on.’