Borussia Dortmund are close to signing Karim Adeyemi from Red Bull Salzburg as they replace Erling Haaland.
The German side are poised to wave goodbye to their star striker, whose move to Manchester City is close and set to be announced in the coming days. Dortmund have long known that Haaland was potentially leaving this summer given a release clause in his contract and he is understood to have now intimated to club bosses that his £63million release clause will be paid soon by City, to secure his departure.
Dortmund have sought a replacement for the Norwegian in the form of the Salzburg striker, Adeyemi, formerly of Bayern Munich's junior teams. The Austrian club's director of football, Christoph Freund, told Sky Sports : "I wouldn't rule out that the announcement could happen quickly next week."
Dortmund previously negotiated with Salzburg for the signing of Haaland back in January 2020 and will again return to raid their brightest prospect. Adeyemi has scored 23 times this term as his stock continues to rise, but he will have big shoes to fill in Germany.
Haaland has scored nearly a goal every game since moving across the border. He's netted 85 times in 88 outings but has informed the club that he will be leaving this summer. City CEO Ferran Soriano informed Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke last week that the Premier League side are ready to activate the Norwegian’s clause.
City have been tipped to add a striker since they missed out on Harry Kane last summer. Pep Guardiola has continued to play without a No.9 but signing Haaland will give them another dimension as they target Champions League success - a competition in which Haaland has thrived.
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Dortmund chief Sebastien Kehl said last week: "I wouldn't be surprised if he moved on in the end." such was the interest in the forward. Adeyemi meanwhile has attracted Premier League interest following his exploits this term. Liverpool and Manchester United were both keen on the forward.
The German side have, once again, been unable to challenge Bayern Munich's domestic dominance in Marco Rose's first year at the helm. Dortmund will have to deal with Haaland's departure as they aim to build a squad capable of winning a first Bundesliga title since 2012, back when Jurgen Klopp was in charge.
They could also face bids for some of their other young talents, who are sought after around Europe. Jadon Sancho returned to the Premier League last summer and compatriot Jude Bellingham continues to be linked with a move back to England. Giovanni Reyna is also highly-rated.
