BARCELONA (AP) — Spanish champions Barcelona have signed striker Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund to a five-year contract as they rebuild their attack following the departure of veteran goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.
The Blaugranas announced the signing on Thursday and celebrated Adeyemi’s “reunion” with coach Hansi Flick, who gave him his Germany debut.
“I talked to Flick a lot and trusted him from the first moment,” Adeyemi said in his presentation. “He explained to me what the club and the team needed and I told him I was willing to do whatever it took to help the team achieve our goals.”
“He told me that this was a very important step for me, that this was a different club, the biggest in the world, and asked if I was ready. I said yes, that I would play where I needed him,” he added.
Barça noted that Adeyemi is a player “able to easily adapt both on both flanks and as a central striker.”
Adeyemi spent four seasons in the Bundesliga with Dortmund and made 11 caps for the national team.
He is in an irregular season at Dortmund and was visibly upset after being substituted during the match. He was not called up to the recent World Championships in North America.
Adeyemi admitted he was surprised by Barca’s interest after last season.
“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I know what I can give and last season wasn’t the best,” he said. “That’s why I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Hansi told me, “I love you, but I need you to give it your all.” I was very impressed and I am very grateful.”
Lewandowski, 37, joined MLS side Chicago Fire after scoring 120 goals in four seasons for Barca, who had previously signed English striker Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Adeyemi mentioned Argentine star Lionel Messi, a former Barca player who now plays for Inter Miami in MLS, as one of his top recommendations for the Catalan club.
“For me, Messi has always been the best player of all time. I also really enjoyed watching Ronaldinho and many other players who came through the club,” he said.
And also to his new teammate Lamin Yamal: “He is an incredible footballer. He not only scores goals and dribbles, but also creates chances for his teammates. I am a player who looks for space and I think he can play a very important role for me. I hope that I will have very good contact with him and with the rest of the team.”