Karim Adeyemi Transfer News: Chelsea begin talks to sign Xabi Alonso’s first signing
Manchester United and Chelsea are firmly in contention to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi this summer, with TEAMtalk reporting the Bundesliga club are willing to part ways with the attacker for the right price. Karim Adeyemi transfer news has gathered considerable momentum over the past fortnight, and the race for the 24-year-old now appears to be an exclusively Premier League affair at its core.
Karim Adeyemi Transfer News: Chelsea open contact with agent
Chelsea have made contact with super-agent Jorge Mendes to strike a deal for Adeyemi, according to a German report. With his contract running until 2027, Dortmund would ordinarily be in a strong negotiating position, but stalled talks over a new deal have naturally fuelled speculation surrounding his long-term future. According to TEAMtalk, Dortmund are open to selling Adeyemi for the right price rather than risk allowing his value to diminish further, with the Bundesliga side considering offers in the region of £61m.
The forward is demanding around £180,000 per week in wages and holds a clear preference for the Premier League over PSG. Adeyemi is the sixth fastest player to ever appear in the Bundesliga, recording a top speed of 22.77mph back in 2023, and the left-footer can play on either flank or as a second striker.
In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season alone, he has contributed seven goals and four assists across 28 appearances, averaging roughly 43 minutes per goal involvement and maintaining a FotMob rating of 6.95, respectable numbers for a side that have endured an inconsistent campaign.
Karim Adeyemi Transfer News: Man Utd enter the race
Manchester United have made Adeyemi a high-priority target ahead of the summer transfer window, facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals for his signature. Liverpool are also understood to be taking a look, though their interest is not as strong as United’s and Chelsea’s at present.
Chelsea open talks to sign £87m goal-machine
Realistic outcome and best destination
Adeyemi will almost certainly leave Dortmund this summer. The contract situation gives the German club very little control beyond the £61m asking price, and sitting on an asset that could walk away for free in 2027 is a risk no responsible board takes. The deal should get done before September.
The real question is the destination. Chelsea’s approach through Mendes is smart and early, but the club’s new manager and their mid-table finish this season make Stamford Bridge a difficult sell.
Manchester United, sitting third and returning to the Champions League under Michael Carrick, offer far more immediately. A wide attacker who thrives in transition, pressing high and carrying the ball at speed, would be more perfect for Carrick’s tactics than it would be for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
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So, I feel Manchester United are the best option, and Adeyemi likely knows it. If INEOS move with conviction early in the window, they close this before Chelsea can stabilise their own situation. The smart money, based on current Karim Adeyemi transfer news, is Old Trafford.