Borussia Dortmund are preparing for the potential departure of winger Karim Adeyemi, with the player reportedly agreeing personal terms with FC Barcelona. The move could free up funds for Dortmund to pursue Köln forward Said El Mala this summer, according to multiple reports.
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 leave if Barcelona meet their valuation, which has not yet been disclosed. The potential sale would create a void in their forward line as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.
Reports from Cologne-based newspaper The Express suggest that Dortmund and El Mala are growing closer, with the publication claiming that an agreement “may have been reached behind the scenes” with the player’s family. This aligns with information indicating that El Mala’s mother, Sabrina, would prefer her son to remain in Germany and has specifically advocated for a move to Dortmund.
Further reporting from BILD states that Sabrina El Mala recently informed Köln’s management that her son would not consider a move to England unless it was to a top-tier club. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has added that the El Mala family are open to a transfer to BVB, although the club itself has expressed some doubts about completing a deal.
Brighton & Hove Albion, under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, are also interested in El Mala, but Hürzeler is reportedly aware that securing the player is “unlikely” due to the influence of his mother. Dortmund’s pursuit of El Mala is contingent on finalizing the transfer of Adeyemi to Barcelona. Until that deal is complete, the Westphalian club will not be able to actively pursue other attacking options.
El Mala has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young talents, showcasing impressive dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability for Köln. His arrival at Dortmund would provide competition and depth in the attacking positions, potentially strengthening their challenge for the Bundesliga title.
