Adeyemi says new Barcelona boss Flick ‘main reason’ behind Camp Nou move

Karim Adeyemi has revealed that new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was the decisive factor in his decision to join the Spanish club from Borussia Dortmund.

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that the Germany international has signed a contract running until 2031, ending his spell in the Bundesliga to become one of the first major recruits of Flick’s tenure.

Speaking at his unveiling press conference, Adeyemi made clear that the presence of his compatriot in the dugout was crucial in convincing him to accept Barca’s offer.

“Flick is the main reason,” Adeyemi said. “He told me what the club needs, and I came here to prove that.”

The forward, who arrived in Catalonia after agreeing his long-term deal, appeared relaxed as he faced the media for the first time as a Barcelona player and outlined how his initial talks with Flick shaped the move.

“We had a long conversation, but I didn’t ask him about my position,” Adeyemi explained, in comments reported by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. “He asked me if I was ready, and I said yes, and that I would give my best.”

Flick reunion after Germany breakthrough

Adeyemi’s transfer reunites him with Flick, who previously handed the attacker his first cap for the Germany national team during his time in charge of the Mannschaft.

That prior relationship appears to have played a significant role in reassuring the 22-year-old about his next step, as he swaps Dortmund for one of the most scrutinised clubs in world football.

The move marks a major change in environment for Adeyemi, who admitted the scale of the challenge he now faces at Barcelona.

“For me, it is a big step,” he said. “It is a club completely different from others in the world.”

Long-term commitment to Barcelona project

By tying Adeyemi down until 2031, Barcelona have made a long-term commitment to a player they see as part of the club’s next generation under Flick.

While Adeyemi declined to discuss the exact role he expects to play on the pitch, his insistence on being ready to adapt and work for the team aligns with Flick’s reputation for demanding intensity and versatility from his attacking players.

The German will now look to establish himself in Barcelona’s squad and justify the faith shown in him by a coach who has already shaped a key moment in his international career – and who has now been central to the biggest move of his club career so far.