Karim Adeyemi has been on Liverpool’s radar for quite some time now but they are likely to lose out on his signature unless something major changes with Borussia Dortmund his most likely destination.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano. Patrick Berger also reported in October that while Liverpool were interested in a move for Adeyemi which would cost in the region of €30-35million, he “prefers a move to Germany.”
Romano says that Liverpool approached Adeyemi and his representatives but it has always appeared as though the German has had his heart set on a move to the Bundesliga.
“I think that Borussia Dortmund are leading the race to sign him,” Romano told Anfield Watch.
“Liverpool appreciate the player, but it’s about how he fits in. I think he’s perfect to play with two strikers. So for a different kind of system and not the 4-3-3 Liverpool play under Klopp. So at the moment, Borussia Dortmund, are leading the race.
“Barcelona approached him, Liverpool approached him, Inter approached him too, but he is really attracted to Borussia Dortmund because of the system and because going to the Bundesliga seems to be the perfect step for him.
“He already has personal terms close to be agreed upon. Not everything is agreed between Borussia Dortmund and Salzburg, so the situation is still open, but Borussia Dortmund are leading the race.”
It’s a smart move for a young player because it’s a major step up from the Austrian Bundesliga and if he’s joining a club like Dortmund, he’ll still be in the Champions League.
His development will continue at a rapid pace with BVB’s top-class coaching and he won’t need to learn a new language but it’s just a pity because I really felt as though Jurgen Klopp could do something special with the 19-year-old.
Liverpool needed someone like Adeyemi this month but there were no guarantees the young forward would hit the ground running as Jurgen Klopp famously likes to make sure his signings are well-acquainted with his tactics before throwing them in the deep end.
This season, he’s got 18 goals and 4 assists in all competitions for RB Salzburg and was very impressive in the Champions League.
If Liverpool don’t step up their interest, they will need to concede the transfer race to Borussia Dortmund although it may be that it’s already as much of a done deal as it can be without the relevant signatures on the dotted line.
