Journalist: Liverpool Reignite Interest in €35m Bundesliga Forward | OneFootball

Karim Adeyemi: Could He Be Liverpool’s Next Target?

Hold on, what year is it again? When it comes to identifying talent, clubs like Liverpool rarely make a move without thorough consideration. Borussia Dortmund’s 22-year-old starlet Karim Adeyemi has apparently resurfaced on their radar once again, sparking conversation in football circles. Adeyemi’s pace, ability to play on the wings, and potential to step up in the big moments have earned him attention from major clubs, especially from England. The replacement talk maybe nonsense, but it’s a player Liverpool have held a historic interest in.

What’s Been Said

According to Florian Plettenberg, a reliable German source, Liverpool are considering Adeyemi as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. Plettenberg stated on social media that “#LFC are considering him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah,” but also highlighted concerns about Adeyemi’s injury-prone nature. His contract with Dortmund runs until 2027, and several top European clubs are monitoring the situation. It’s no secret that Liverpool have had an eye on Adeyemi for some time, even tracking him during his days at Red Bull Salzburg. His move to Dortmund in 2022 came as no surprise, and the player continues to develop in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Photo: IMAGO

The Key Stats

A quick dive into Adeyemi’s statistics shows a player who is full of potential but still inconsistent at times. The 22-year-old plays primarily as a left winger, but he can also switch positions across the front line. Standing at 1.80m, Adeyemi has already made five appearances in the Bundesliga this season, clocking up 306 minutes, with two goals to his name. His most notable performance this season came against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League, where he bagged a hat-trick. His overall attacking output, however, has been mixed, with his expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xAG) figures reflecting a player who has yet to fully find his feet in German football.

While the season has only just begun, Adeyemi’s performance has fluctuated. Last year, he struggled with injuries and managed only six goals in the league. Despite this, Dortmund remains optimistic about his future.

Compare Him To

Comparisons to Liverpool’s current wingers, particularly Luis Diaz, are inevitable. Like Diaz, Adeyemi favours the left side of the attack, meaning that he’s more likely to compete with the Colombian than replace Mohamed Salah, who primarily operates on the right.

Adeyemi’s stats this season show promise. His 0.7 non-penalty expected goals per 90 (npxG) places him as a solid attacking option, and his 2.4 expected goal-creating actions (PrgC) per game further highlight his contribution in creating chances. Diaz, on the other hand, has slightly better numbers with 2.7 npxG and a more consistent progression in his performances in the Premier League. Adeyemi’s high-speed dribbles, 50 touches in the box this season, and goal conversion make him an exciting, if inconsistent, prospect. There is, however, the question of whether Adeyemi’s recent hat-trick against Celtic has inflated his numbers. Those tracking his performance will need to assess whether this was a one-off or the start of a more consistent output.

There’s also his injury history to consider. Adeyemi has struggled with muscle injuries, which could raise concerns for a Premier League move, especially given the physical nature of English football. These factors combined could deter clubs like Liverpool from investing heavily unless he proves durable.

Likelihood and Fee

With a market value currently set at €35 million according to Transfermarkt, Adeyemi is a tantalising option for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options. His contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2027, meaning any potential suitor will need to present a solid offer to tempt Dortmund into a sale. Liverpool’s interest isn’t new; the Reds have monitored Adeyemi’s progress since his time in Austria, and despite his fluctuating form, it seems they still hold him in high regard. However, if Liverpool do indeed need to search for a replacement for Salah is unlikely to end with Adeyemi. While he may not be the perfect fit for that specific role, his versatility, speed, and potential make him an attractive option for a long-term investment. Whether the Merseyside club is willing to part with the kind of money Dortmund will demand remains to be seen, but given Adeyemi’s ceiling, it’s a transfer that shouldn’t be dismissed too quickly.