Real Madrid, Barcelona target Adeyemi agrees verbal deal to join Dortmund

The race to sign RB Salzburg sensation Karim Adeyemi appears to have a winner. According to German sports daily Bild, Borussia Dortmund have reached a verbal agreement with the 19-year-old Germany international to move to Signal Iduna Park to continue his development, with the Bundesliga side a noted incubator of world class players. If the move were to materialize, it would suggest that Dortmund have also resigned themselves to losing Erling Haaland next summer. The Norway striker’s agent, Mino Raiola, has hinted that his prolific client’s next destination has already been decided with Real Madrid the favourites to secure his services amid competition from PSG, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Bild reports that Adeyemi has agreed in principle to a five-year contract at Dortmund, although Salzburg will still need to give the green light to any deal for a player who is valued at around €40 million and under contract at the Austrian side until 2024.

Barcelona and Dortmund lead Adeyemi race

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Barcelona are reported to have tabled a bid of that amount for the teenager but have since turned their attention to Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, while Dortmund have apparently offered €35m to test the water but are not expected to make their interest concrete until next summer, when Haaland’s situation is clearer.

“It is no secret that Adeyemi is a great player,” Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said recently of the youngster, who has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances so far this season and helped the Austrians to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.