Karim Adeyemi was once viewed as a pillar of Borussia Dortmund’s future. Now, inside the club, the tone has changed.
Despite a contract extension being put on the table, the winger is no longer seen as untouchable. Recent internal discussions have pushed a new line of thinking: from a purely sporting perspective, Adeyemi is considered replaceable. That is a significant shift for a player signed to be a long-term attacking weapon.
The 22-year-old is not exactly fighting against that narrative. So far, he has shown little desire to commit to a new deal. His gaze is fixed elsewhere. Specifically, on the Premier League.
With his current contract situation, a transfer fee of around 50 million euros is being discussed. For BVB, that is not just a number on paper. It is money the club is thought to urgently need to reshape and upgrade the squad.
Rebuild under way
According to Sport Bild, Dortmund are planning at least two signings who would walk straight into Niko Kovac’s first team. This is not about padding the training group. It is about immediate, tangible quality.
On top of that, the squad is set to be broadened with one or two further additions. Depth has been an issue in recent seasons; that is now being addressed with more intent.
The first steps have already been taken. The arrivals of 17-year-old left-back Kaua Prates and 17-year-old attacking midfielder Justin Lerma are confirmed. Both are investments in the future, promising talents who fit the club’s long-standing strategy of developing young players.
But they do not close the gaps that matter most right now. New sporting director Nils-Ole Book still has work to do. The need is clearest in defensive midfield and across the back line, where Dortmund want more stability, more bite, more reliability.
And then there is the Adeyemi question.
If the winger gets his move to England and the club banks close to 50 million euros, at least one more attacking player would have to come in. Not just to replace a name, but to replace pace, vertical threat and flexibility in the final third.
Dortmund stand at a familiar crossroads: sell a big asset to fund the next evolution, or hold their ground and risk missing the chance to refresh. This time, Adeyemi may be the one who tips the balance.
