Barcelona have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi for a fee rising to €31million (£26.5m).
Adeyemi, 24, who plays on the wing or up front, becomes the Catalan giants’ second signing of the summer after Anthony Gordon joined from Newcastle.
The 24-year-old scored 36 goals and added 25 assists in 146 games for Dortmund, although he was often criticised for his inconsistency having never netted more than seven times in his four seasons in the Bundesliga.
Adeyemi, who was out of contract next summer, has been linked to Manchester United in the past and he will be reunited with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, who gave him his debut for Germany.
However, his move to Spain is a blow for Marcus Rashford, who had hoped to make his loan deal permanent after an impressive season with the club.
Barcelona had an option to sign him in June for just £26m after the Englishman contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 26 starts as Flick’s side won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season, yet they moved for Gordon instead.
Barcelona have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi for £26.5m
The move is a blow for Marcus Rashford, who had hoped to make his loan deal permanent
At the time, Spanish reports suggested that was because of Gordon’s perceived superior defensive work, a trait that was viewed as Rashford’s ‘weakest point’, along with their three-year age gap.
Several clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Real Madrid have been linked with Rashford, yet it is unclear what the future holds for him.
His wages and age – he will turn 29 in October – are not in his favour.
Rashford, who previously said it was a ‘dream’ of his to win the Champions League with Barcelona, is now expected to return for pre-season with United after his post-World Cup break, and there is a chance he may even be reintegrated into Michael Carrick’s first-team squad.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi faced controversy last season when he was fined €450,000 (£384,000) for the possession of illegal weapons, including a knuckle-duster and a taser.
He later apologised publicly and expressed his ‘deep regret’, labelling it as a ‘huge mistake’, before insisting he had ‘learned more from this than I can put into words’.
In his media duties after completing his transfer, Adeyemi surprisingly expressed his shock at the move.
‘I couldn’t believe it to be honest because I know what I can do and the last season was not the best,’ Adeyemi said.
‘I am really thankful for this opportunity. [Barcelona boss Hansi Flick] was a big stone in everything because he said “I want you but I need you to give it all”.
‘For me, this was really impressive. I am honoured and thankful for this.’
Barcelona have already signed Anthony Gordon instead of making Rashford’s loan permanent
On his time at Dortmund, where he occasionally clashed with boss Niko Kovac, he added: ‘I’d like to thank Borussia Dortmund for four great years.
‘To the club, my teammates, and the fans, who made every game special with their support. I wish BVB all the best for the future.’
Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said: ‘Karim has been an important part of Borussia Dortmund over the past four years. We wish Karim and his family all the best for the future.’
Adeyemi has signed a five-year deal with Barcelona.
