Manchester United target Karim Adeyemi is reportedly continuing to hold out for a move to the Premier League, despite Borussia Dortmund's persistent efforts to secure his long-term future with an improved contract offer. The 24-year-old winger, who joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg three seasons ago, is under contract until 2027 but has attracted significant interest from clubs across Europe, including Manchester United.
Contract Standoff and Release Clause Issues
According to German outlet Bild, Borussia Dortmund are convinced that Adeyemi is a key part of their future plans and have had updated contract terms on the table for several weeks. However, Adeyemi has been coy in his response, showing little interest in signing the deal as he waits for potential Premier League suitors to emerge in the summer transfer window.
Those interested clubs could face a significant stumbling block, as Adeyemi's current 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 into any new contract, which would facilitate a smoother exit in the future.
On-Pitch Struggles and Disciplinary Concerns
Adeyemi's contract drama coincides with a difficult period on the pitch, where he has scored just twice since the start of the year. His 2025 season ended under strained circumstances, with former German international Sami Khedira criticising him for 'disrespectful' behaviour after he stormed off down the tunnel following a substitution.
During Dortmund's 2-0 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach, manager Niko Kovac substituted Adeyemi on the hour-mark. Not taking kindly to the decision, Adeyemi walked past the Dortmund bench and headed toward the locker room, prompting sporting director Sebastian Kehl to intervene by catching his arm and exchanging words.
Khedira later reflected on the incident, stating, 'You can be angry with the coach, but you support your team, your team-mates. Because they are the ones on the pitch and they notice things like that.' Kehl confirmed that Adeyemi would be reprimanded for his actions, adding to previous tensions when the player threw a water bottle at the bench during an earlier substitution.
Personal Factors Influencing a Move
Beyond the on-pitch controversies, personal factors may also be driving Adeyemi's desire for a transfer. His wife, 30-year-old Swiss rapper Loredana, is thought to prefer the idea of her partner continuing his career in a 'European metropolis', as reported by Daily Mail Sport in December. This preference for a move abroad aligns with Adeyemi's own ambitions to join the Premier League.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Adeyemi's future remains uncertain, with Manchester United and other Premier League clubs monitoring the situation closely amid Dortmund's determination to retain their star winger.
