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As Barcelona's pursuit of Julián Alvarez grows increasingly uncertain, Karim Adeyemi wasted no time declaring he can play "anywhere," including as a center forward, at his official presentation as Barcelona's newest addition.
Barcelona agreed to a deal with Borussia Dortmund valued at $25.1 million (€22 million), plus up to $8 million (€7 million) in potential bonuses, to secure the 24-year-old attacker. Adeyemi signed a contract through 2031 and at his formal introduction as a Blaugrana, he emphasized his ability to fill any role Hansi Flick requires of him.
"Personally, it doesn't matter to me [what position I play]," Adeyemi said. "I'm available for every attacking position. I've played all of them before, so it's not an issue for me. I just want to contribute to the team, earn the trust of my teammates, and ultimately help us reach our objectives — that's what matters most."
Adeyemi disclosed that he has already communicated to Flick his readiness to operate in whatever position best serves the team.
"We'll definitely have conversations about where he wants me to play," Adeyemi continued. "But as I said, playing anywhere is no problem for me. I'll give everything I have for this club and this team."
Barcelona Preparing for Life Without Star Striker Reinforcement
It's no secret that Barcelona's top priority this summer is landing a world-class striker to succeed Robert Lewandowski. Alvarez, who is eager for a move to Catalonia, remains the club's primary target, but Atlético Madrid have done everything in their power to firmly block any potential departure.
Barcelona are expected to launch one final push to convince Atléti to reconsider, but may turn to alternative targets if no progress is made by late July. Even if Barcelona shift their focus, elite center forwards rarely become available — as the club discovered with Chelsea's João Pedro — meaning there's no certainty they'll accomplish their headline transfer objective this window.
It's hardly a coincidence that Barcelona have invested well over $100 million combined on Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon earlier this summer. Both are natural wide players but have previously demonstrated the flexibility to operate as a center forward. Gordon even noted that he envisions himself playing more centrally as his career develops.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal hold down the starting berths on Barça's flanks. Should the club fail to bring in a top-level striker this summer, Gordon and Adeyemi could find themselves competing for the central striking role. Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, both of whom have featured as strikers under Flick, would represent additional options.
Adeyemi's Main Reason Why He Joined 'Biggest Club in the World'
Adeyemi reportedly had his heart set on Barcelona above all other suitors once it became apparent his time at Borussia Dortmund was over. The driving force? Flick — the coach who handed him his international debut for Germany back in 2021.
"He's [Flick] the reason I think I came here [to Barcelona]," Adeyemi admitted. "We had really good conversations and I trusted him from the very first moment.
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"It's truly special for me, because I think he played a huge part in why I'm here," the German forward added. "I'm incredibly grateful for everything he's done for me — in the past he helped me break into the national team. But now it means even more, because he's brought me to a one-of-a-kind club, the biggest club in the world as I said. I'm really, really thankful, and I'll show that every single day on the pitch."
Barcelona have just over a month remaining to continue their hunt for an elite center forward. If no deal comes to fruition, Adeyemi joins a squad brimming with versatile attacking talent that Flick will need to optimize, ensuring the absence of a genuine star-quality No. 9 doesn't undermine Barça's ambitious 2026–27 campaign.