Inter join Man Utd in race for Adeyemi
MANCHESTER, England – Inter Milan and Manchester United have opened early talks to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, with the 23-year-old increasingly expected to leave the Bundesliga club in the summer despite having four years left on his contract.
Adeyemi, whose deal runs until 2027, has grown reluctant to discuss an extension amid rising tension at Dortmund and a sharp dip in form this season. Representatives for the Germany international, including agent Jorge Mendes, have spoken with both United and Inter in recent weeks, signalling a competitive market developing ahead of the summer window.
According to German media reports, Inter have initiated contact as they outline their long-term squad plans, while United are exploring wide options after ongoing reviews of their attacking depth. Mendes, who oversaw recent moves to Old Trafford for Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte, is understood to be shaping Adeyemi’s next steps as interest grows across Europe.
Adeyemi has struggled to rediscover consistency in recent months and has not contributed a goal or assist since late September. Frustrations have spilled over publicly, including a touchline outburst after being substituted in Dortmund’s 1-0 win over Köln and another confrontation with coach Niko Kovac during last week’s draw with Hamburg. Kovac later criticised the behaviour as “unnecessary,” highlighting a strained player-manager dynamic.
Off the pitch, Adeyemi also served community service and paid a €450,000 fine following an incident involving illegal possession of restricted items. The forward called it “a huge mistake” and expressed regret, while sporting director Lars Ricken noted that the club considered the matter closed after sanctions were completed.
Despite the turbulence, both United and Inter are believed to view the situation as manageable and not an obstacle to a potential transfer. Adeyemi remains highly rated for his pace, direct ball-carrying and pressing ability, attributes that suit United’s wide-attacking profiles and Inter’s long-term squad planning.
Dortmund have not yet been formally informed of the player’s desire to leave, but figures close to the discussions expect clarity before the end of the season. Any deal is likely to command a significant fee given his age, contract length and previous outlay by Dortmund.
If completed, a move would mark a reset for Adeyemi after a challenging campaign and could form part of a broader strategic refresh for both United and Inter as they target younger, high-upside attacking talent ahead of the 2025–26 season.