Man Utd Opens Secret Negotiations With Disgruntled Star's Representative
Manchester United have reportedly initiated contact with agent Jorge Mendes regarding discussions about Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi's potential availability.
The Red Devils had a productive summer in the transfer market, investing more than £200 million ($263.3 million) to strengthen their attacking options by acquiring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško.
While Cunha and Mbeumo have adapted well to their new surroundings, Šeško faced difficulties before suffering a knee problem, with the extent of the injury still undisclosed.
As United aims to construct a comprehensive and effective squad in the years ahead, additional attacking players are already under consideration, and the uncertain status of discontented striker Joshua Zirkzee may increase the urgency for more acquisitions.
German outlet BILD reports that United have shown interest in the 23-year-old Adeyemi, who currently faces a challenging predicament at Dortmund due to questions surrounding his rapport with head coach Niko Kovač.
United have engaged with Mendes, who also handles current Red Devils players Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte, to gain deeper insight into the circumstances.
Adeyemi's Contract Demands Causing Problems
Adding to the complications surrounding Adeyemi is his current contract, which runs until 2027. Although Dortmund aren't under immediate time constraints, there's recognition within the club that the situation could become critical if Adeyemi's agreement is permitted to run down much further.
During extension negotiations, Adeyemi and Mendes have requested a lengthy contract featuring a buyout clause—something Dortmund typically avoid including, though there appears to be openness to discussions on this matter.
However, both sides are keeping a close eye on Adeyemi's dynamic with Kovač. The duo are believed to have differing perspectives, and these frictions became evident when a substitution prior to the international window resulted in Adeyemi angrily tossing a water bottle.
"I believe that's uncalled for," Kovač commented. "It's acceptable for him to feel frustrated at times, but that behavior is uncalled for, he's a grown man."
Though United's pursuit of Adeyemi is the latest development, the adaptable Germany international has been previously connected with both Chelsea and Liverpool, though neither club has been mentioned as potential competitors in any transfer pursuit.