Manchester United target Karim Adeyemi is thought to be holding out for a move to the Premier League despite multiple attempts from his club Borussia Dortmund to offer him an improved deal.
The 24-year-old is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2027, having signed from Red Bull Salzburg just three seasons ago, but has attracted interest from across Europe, including United.
But amid a turbulent winter which has seen the winger criticised for a perceived ‘disrespectful’ attitude on the pitch, and speculation rife over his future, Adeyemi is still thought to be keen on a move away from the Bundesliga club.
As per German outlet Bild, Dortmund are said to be convinced that the player is a key part of their future plans, with updated terms having been on the table for weeks.
Adeyemi is thought to have been coy, however, showing little interest in signing the deal while he waits for potential Premier League suitors in the summer.
Those interested in tempting Adeyemi away from Dortmund could run up against a stumbling block, as the player’s contract is not thought to contain a release clause.
His agent, Jorge Mendes – who also represents Cristiano Ronaldo – is believed to be keen to insert one in the new contract, which would in turn allow Adeyemi to leave more easily in the future.
Adeyemi is enduring a difficult period on the pitch as he waits out his contract drama, having scored just twice since the start of the year.
His 2025 ended under strained circumstances too, with Adeyemi called out by former German international Sami Khedira for his behaviour after he stormed off down the tunnel after being substituted.
Adeyemi was hooked on the hour-mark of his team’s 2-0 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach by Dortmund manager Niko Kovac.
Not taking kindly to being replaced, Adeyemi walked past the Dortmund bench and headed toward the locker room.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl was seen catching Adeyemi by the arm to prevent him from leaving as the pair exchanged words too.
Reflecting on Adeyemi’s actions, Khedira said he had been ‘disrespectful’ to his Dortmund team-mates and Kovac.
‘You can be angry with the coach, but you support your team, your team-mates,’ he shared. ‘Because they are the ones on the pitch and they notice things like that.’
Kehl later revealed that Adeyemi would be reprimanded for his actions.
Tensions previously flared between Adeyemi and Kovac when the player threw a water bottle at the bench on an earlier occasion where he was substituted off.
But as well as tumultuous relations inside the club, Adeyemi might also be convinced to move by the feelings of his wife, 30-year-old rapper Loredana.
In December, Daily Mail Sport reported that the Swiss star is thought to prefer the idea of her partner continuing his career at a ‘European metropolis’.
