Karim Adeyemi says his move to Barcelona needed no persuasion from Hansi Flick and insists he is not intimidated by competition from Lamine Yamal as he bids to make his mark at the Camp Nou.
The Germany forward completed his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Barca a week ago and is currently with the Catalan club’s squad in England as they prepare for the new season.
Adeyemi, 22, told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo that Flick’s role in the deal was straightforward rather than a prolonged charm offensive.
“‘Convince’ is not the right word,” Adeyemi said of the Barcelona head coach. “He simply called me and asked if I wanted to join. I answered ‘of course’, because it’s the biggest club in the world and these chances don’t come around often. He didn’t need to convince me. I have trusted him for a long time and I have great respect for him.”
Adeyemi added that he believes Flick already has a clear picture of what he can offer at his new club.
“I hope he sees in me what I can give the team on the pitch. He knows me very well from the Germany national team and our relationship is very close,” he said.
Memories of facing Barca and Camp Nou anticipation
Adeyemi faced Barcelona in the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals while at Dortmund, a tie he still regards as one of the highlights of his career despite his former side’s elimination.
“What a great experience it was,” he said. “These are among the best games you can play. You’re up against a great team and a historic club, and you always have huge motivation when you play against the best. Both matches were very tough, but we enjoyed them.”
Barcelona won the first leg 4-0 at home before Dortmund responded with a 3-1 victory in Germany, a result Adeyemi believes could have been even more dramatic.
“We almost won the tie,” he reflected. “With a bit more luck, we would have done it.”
Now set to play his home games at the Camp Nou, which is still undergoing redevelopment, Adeyemi is eager to experience the stadium from the inside.
“I think it will be incredible,” he said. “I don’t think it’s completely finished yet, but, man, it’s a stadium with great history and it will be fantastic to be part of that.”
Germany return a target via Barcelona
Adeyemi is also hopeful his move to La Liga can help him re-establish himself with Germany, though he accepts that will depend solely on his performances.
“I think so,” he replied when asked if Barcelona could be his pathway back to the national side. “But in the end I have to prove it on the pitch. I’m the only one who decides whether I go back to the national team or not. I’m convinced that if I play well, I will be there.”
Describing his style of play, Adeyemi underlined the range of attributes he believes he can bring to Flick’s squad.
“I have speed, of course, but I also bring other things to the game,” he explained. “Pace, I’m good in one-on-one situations, I can play on the wing or as a central striker. I think I’m versatile and that’s what makes me a bit different, maybe.”
No fear of Yamal rivalry
Competition for attacking places at Barcelona will be fierce, particularly on the right flank where teenager Lamine Yamal has become one of the club’s brightest prospects.
Asked directly if he feared the contest for the right-wing position, Adeyemi was unequivocal.
“No, I’m not afraid of any player,” he said. “I know that if I give everything, I will have a chance to play.”
Adeyemi, who reached the 2024 Champions League final with Dortmund, remains driven by the prospect of finally lifting the trophy with his new club.
“Of course, my dream is to win the Champions League,” he said. “I almost won it, but unfortunately we lost. That is my dream. That’s what I’m working towards every day.”
Looking ahead to his first campaign in Spain, he believes Barcelona are equipped to challenge on all fronts.
“I have a feeling this season will be very special,” he said. “I hope we win many titles. Great achievements are waiting for us; we want to win everything and we are capable of that. That’s what we train for and why we give our best every day.”
Ronaldo the toughest rival, Messi the greatest
Reflecting on opponents he has faced so far in his career, Adeyemi singled out Cristiano Ronaldo as the most difficult individual rival, while reserving his highest praise for Lionel Messi.
“He is the best player I have ever faced,” Adeyemi said of Ronaldo. “We played against each other once, but he was not at his best.” He then acknowledged that, in his view, Messi is “the best overall”.
Away from the pitch, Adeyemi admits he does not obsess over football when he is at home, even if that occasionally surprises people within the game.
“To be honest, I’ve never been the type who knows everything about every player and every name,” he said. “Some might call me stupid because of that, but when I’m at home, I just want to do things other than football.”
