New Barcelona signing Karim Adeyemi has highlighted coach Hansi Flick’s influence as the decisive factor in his transfer from Borussia Dortmund, describing the German tactician’s trust as pivotal to his decision.
“Hansi Flick is the main reason I’m here. I spoke with him a lot, and I trusted him from the very first moment,” Adeyemi said after completing the move. “He told me, ‘I want you, but I need you to give everything.’”
The 24-year-old forward, who can play in multiple attacking roles, expressed high ambitions upon joining the Spanish giants. “My expectations are very high… I now play for the biggest club in the world, and first of all, it’s a huge honor for me. I want to prove to the team, the coach, and everyone who supports Barça that I’m here to win trophies,” he added.
Adeyemi also addressed the club’s storied history, noting childhood inspirations. “I grew up watching Messi, the greatest player in history, as well as Ronaldinho, whom I really enjoyed watching,” he said, while praising young teammate Lamine Yamal. “Lamine is incredible. I think we can link up very well on the pitch… No one can become Messi. Lamine has to forge his own path, and he’s doing that very well. Of course, I think he can win the Ballon d’Or.”
On team dynamics and objectives, Adeyemi emphasised unity. “Age doesn’t matter on the pitch. What matters is connecting with each other… I already can’t wait to start training,” he stated, while expressing readiness for any role. “I have no problem playing in any attacking position, and I feel comfortable wherever I play.”
The versatile attacker, who scored 36 goals in 146 games for Dortmund, arrives as Barcelona continue strengthening their squad following the signing of Anthony Gordon.
Hansi Flick handed Karim Adeyemi his first senior Germany cap back in 2021, and the duo will now work together at Barcelona.
