Although the deal is not yet signed, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund took a decisive step forward on Friday, with sources at the Catalan club describing confidence as high. Barcelona will pay €22million in guaranteed fees plus a further €7million in variables tied to trophies, while Dortmund have also secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any future transfer.
Should the move go through, Adeyemi will become Barcelona's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. The sporting hierarchy believe Adeyemi's pace and versatility across the front line will strengthen the squad's attacking options, with head coach Hansi Flick already well acquainted with the German international, having given him his senior international debut while in charge of Germany.
Adeyemi's contract situation helped smooth negotiations. His deal at Borussia Dortmund runs until June 2027, and he had no intention of extending it, a stance that accelerated his planned departure from the Bundesliga.
Dortmund had rejected Barcelona's opening offer of €20million plus variables on Thursday, but talks intensified on Friday and the gap narrowed considerably, leaving the deal in position to be finalised imminently.
Barcelona are now aiming to conclude the agreement over the weekend, allowing Adeyemi to join up with the first-team squad as quickly as possible. The Catalan club begin pre-season training on Monday, with the squad due to report for medical and fitness testing at 9am. Adeyemi departs Dortmund having made 146 appearances in four seasons at the club, scoring 36 goals and providing 25 assists, following an earlier spell at RB Salzburg where he scored 33 goals in 94 games.
Barcelona's sporting department are said to be exploring the addition of Adeyemi as part of a broader offensive rebuild that has followed Robert Lewandowski's departure at the end of his contract, with the veteran Polish striker moving on to join Chicago Fire.
Julian Alvarez remains the club's primary target for the central striker role, though that pursuit is not expected to advance until after the Argentine's involvement at the World Cup ends.