Barça: Hansi Flick takes a swipe at Karim Adeyemi

Starting in his first appearance for Barça, Karim Adeyemi remained quiet against Birmingham, unlike young Hamza Abdelkarim, who bagged a brace.

The first steps of Karim Adeyemi in the colors of FC Barcelona were far from convincing. Lined up from the start against Birmingham City, the German striker never truly managed to make a difference during the first half.

Barça ultimately had to settle for a draw (2-2) before losing in the penalty shootout (3-2). The match was highlighted by Hamza Abdelkarim's brace, who was much more decisive than the former Borussia Dortmund recruit.

Hansi Flick expects more from Adeyemi

Speaking after the match, Hansi Flick admitted that his fellow countryman had yet to showcase his full potential.

"He has much more potential than what he showed. In training, I see Karim at a much higher level," he explained.

The German coach particularly emphasized "his speed and finishing ability", before assuring that Adeyemi could still "bring a lot to the team". Without condemning his new signing after just 45 minutes, Flick sent him a clear and demanding message.

Four inconsistent seasons at Dortmund

Barcelona reportedly paid €22 million, with a possible additional seven million in bonuses, to sign Adeyemi. The 24-year-old forward signed until June 2031 after four seasons with Borussia Dortmund.

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Between 2022 and 2026, he played 146 matches, scored 36 goals, and provided 25 assists for BVB. In his last campaign, he tallied ten goals and six assists in 39 matches. However, his Bundesliga stint was marked by inconsistency and several injuries.

These performances failed to convince Julian Nagelsmann to call him up for the 2026 World Cup. Adeyemi, who has 11 caps with the Mannschaft, was notably edged out by his former teammate Maximilian Beier. His arrival in Catalonia now offers him a chance to relaunch his international career.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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