Karim Adeyemi Nears Barcelona Switch as Borussia Dortmund Confirm Striker’s Absence

Key Takeaways:

• Borussia Dortmund confirmed that Karim Adeyemi was excused from performance diagnostics amid discussions with FC Barcelona
• The German club agreed to a transfer package totalling 22 million euros plus 7 million in add-ons
• Personal terms between Adeyemi and Barcelona had already been settled weeks before the latest club-to-club negotiations

Dortmund Announce Player Absences as Transfer Activity Intensifies

On Sunday, Borussia Dortmund revealed that both Karim Adeyemi and Kjell Watjen were absent from performance diagnostics typically required before the start of pre-season training. The club explained, “Karim Adeyemi and Kjell Watjen are missing today’s performance diagnostics. Both players have been excused due to talks with other clubs,” via social media.

This official statement confirms the advanced stage of talks, allowing both players to miss what is usually a compulsory testing session, with neither expected to participate in the upcoming pre-season preparations.

🚨🩺 Karim Adeyemi, as expected, was absent from Borussia Dortmund’s performance tests. His move to FC Barcelona is planned to be finalised in the coming days.

EXCL DET: €22m fixed plus €9m in add-ons + 35 % sell-on clause with €6m net per season on a five-year contract.… pic.twitter.com/GqNySrQCwO

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 12, 2026

Adeyemi Primed for Barcelona Move

Sources indicate that Borussia Dortmund’s negotiations with FC Barcelona for Karim Adeyemi have moved ahead, building on the fact that the player’s personal terms with the Spanish side were arranged several weeks earlier. Only the agreement between the two clubs had remained unresolved.

Barcelona capitalised on Adeyemi’s clear preference to join and the approaching expiration of his current contract in the summer of next year. This leverage reportedly led Dortmund to accept an offer comprising a fixed fee of 22 million euros, with potential add-ons amounting to 7 million euros, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Next Steps

The completion of the transfer is anticipated within the coming days, following Dortmund’s acceptance of Barcelona’s bid. Both clubs are expected to finalise the necessary paperwork, paving the way for Adeyemi’s departure from the Bundesliga and his move to La Liga.