Borussia Dortmund are preparing for the potential departure of Karim Adeyemi, with the winger reportedly agreeing personal terms with FC Barcelona. The move could free up funds and prompt Dortmund to revisit their interest in 1. FC Köln forward Said El Mala this summer.
Adeyemi, 24, has been a key player for Dortmund since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, contributing goals and pace to their attack. However, Dortmund may be willing to let him go if Barcelona meet their valuation, which has yet to be publicly disclosed. The potential sale would allow Edin Terzić’s side to strengthen in other areas before the 2024-25 season.
According to reports in German publication The Express, Dortmund are increasingly linked with El Mala, with suggestions that preliminary discussions have taken place with the player’s family. The report claims sources within Köln indicate an agreement “behind the scenes” may already be in place. This aligns with information regarding El Mala’s mother, Sabrina, who reportedly prefers her son to remain in Germany and has specifically advocated for a move to Dortmund.
Further reporting from BILD suggests Sabrina El Mala recently informed Köln’s management that her son would not consider a transfer to the English Premier League unless it were to a top club. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has added that El Mala’s family are open to a move to Dortmund, although the club itself reportedly has some reservations about pursuing the deal. Brighton & Hove Albion, under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, are also interested in El Mala, but the coach is said to be aware that securing the player is “unlikely” due to his mother’s preference.
Dortmund’s pursuit of El Mala is currently contingent on finalizing the transfer of Adeyemi to Barcelona. Until that deal is completed, the Bundesliga runners-up will be unable to commit significant funds to other targets. El Mala has emerged as a promising talent in the Bundesliga with Köln, and his arrival would provide competition and depth in Dortmund's attacking options.
Securing El Mala would bolster Dortmund’s attacking options following a season where they finished as Bundesliga runners-up, but were ultimately unable to dethrone Bayer Leverkusen.
