Flick’s past comments on Adeyemi resurface ahead of Barcelona transfer: ‘A player who can make the difference’

Flick’s past comments on Adeyemi resurface ahead of Barcelona transfer: ‘A player who can make the difference’ Barcelona have accelerated their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Karim Adeyemi over the past 24 hours. The Blaugrana have already made an opening offer for the attacker while also reaching an agreement with the player on personal terms . Hansi Flick the driving force Hansi Flick has been one of the strongest supporters of Barcelona’s pursuit of Adeyemi, with the transfer now depending on the club reaching an agreement with Borussia Dortmund. Despite the winger’s inconsistent performances over the last two seasons, the Barcelona coach knows him extremely well and remains convinced of what he could contribute to the team. In fact, Flick was the coach who first introduced Adeyemi to the German senior national team. In August 2021, Flick included Adeyemi in Germany’s squad and handed him his senior debut when he was just 19 years old. Flick driving Barcelona’s interest in Adeyemi. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) The decision attracted considerable attention because the young forward was still playing for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, rather than in one of Europe’s major leagues. It was a personal gamble from Flick, one that ultimately helped launch Adeyemi’s international career. Flick’s past comments on Adeyemi Flick has never hidden his admiration for the player’s qualities. Explaining his decision to call up Adeyemi in 2021, the German coach highlighted exactly the attributes that convinced him the winger was ready for the highest level. “He has tremendous pace and a very good first touch. His greatest strengths are especially in one-on-one situations, and at the start of the season he had already scored a lot of goals. He’s an excellent attacker,” he had said, as quoted by SPORT . Flick revealed that Adeyemi had been monitored for quite some time before receiving his first international call-up. He had even coached against him while managing Bayern Munich, facing Salzburg in European competition. “We’ve been watching Karim Adeyemi for a long time. I also faced him as Bayern coach against Salzburg, so I know the potential he has. Offensively, he’s a player who can make the difference.” An immediate impact for Germany Adeyemi justified Flick’s faith almost immediately. The winger scored on his senior international debut against Armenia, reinforcing the coach’s belief in his ability. Adeyemi could reunite with Flick at Barcelona. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images) After the match, Flick praised the youngster’s confidence and finishing ability, saying: “Karim showed exactly what he had already been showing at Salzburg at the beginning of the season: he’s a very good finisher inside the penalty area and he plays with great confidence.” Why Flick wants him at Barcelona The qualities that convinced Flick several years ago remain the same today. Adeyemi is an explosive winger who constantly looks to take on defenders, relying on both his pace and technical ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations. Although his development has slowed somewhat during his last two seasons at Borussia Dortmund, he is still viewed as a player with significant goal-scoring potential and outstanding athleticism. The fact that Flick knows him so well and has personally approved Barcelona’s pursuit underlines the coach’s belief that Adeyemi could become a valuable option on either wing. Within the current squad, he would offer a different attacking profile from the players already available. If Barcelona can secure the transfer at the right price, the club believes it would represent one of the best value opportunities available in the market.