Manchester United believe they hold a trump card over Chelsea in the red-hot race to sign Borussia Dortmund speedster Karim Adeyemi, according to the latest report.
Summer Exit Looms
Despite being highly rated at the Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund are prepared to sanction Adeyemi‘s sale this summer as his contract expires next year.
There have also been reports of clashes with Die Schwarzgelben’s coaching staff, with the 24-year-old forward said to be pushing for an exit. He is now represented by Jorge Mendes, a choice players generally only make when they are ready to seal a big-money move to a top European club.
The Portuguese super-agent has an excellent working relationship with United, having been a driving force behind the captures of Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte in the 2024 summer window.
United have been strongly linked with a move for the German international as INEOS look to reinforce their forward line – but they are not alone in their admiration.
Eyed by Europe’s Elite
Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all understood to be keeping a close eye on the situation, while Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint-Germain are another club on the hunt.
TEAMtalk claims it is Chelsea who offer the strongest competition to United, however, with the Blues already having “made contact with Adeyemi’s representatives over the last year, viewing him as a dynamic addition to bolster their attacking options under new boss Xabi Alonso.”
But the report states United consider themselves a “strong candidate for the winger” as qualification for next season’s Champions League is seen as a key advantage they have over Chelsea.
“Man Utd see the former Red Bull Salzburg star as a high-priority target to inject speed and directness into their forward line. They believe Champions League qualification makes them a strong candidate for the winger.”
Adeyemi is described as having a “preference for a move to England”, pouring further fuel on the fire of a switch to the Premier League this summer. A report relayed by The Peoples Person even claimed United are ready to submit an opening bid once the window opens, with negotiations expected to start around the €60 million mark (£52m).
Final Thoughts
United are interested in signing a left-winger to help bring more balance to their forward line, as well as a centre-forward to ease the burden on Benjamin Sesko – with the misfiring Joshua Zirkzee set to be sold to fund this.
One of Adeyemi’s most desirable traits is his versatility, as he is capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, which makes him an enticing offensive weapon. He also possesses explosive pace, clocking in as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history.
A record of 12 goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season, despite struggles on and off the pitch, and 14 last year show he is a difference maker in the final third. But United have been burned in the past by expensive imports from Borussia Dortmund, while problems with Dortmund’s coaches will be a major red flag for INEOS.
Feature image Pau Barrena via Getty Images
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