Four Tactical Roles Hansi FlickCould Have in Mind for Karim Adeyemi at Barcelona
Barcelona are edging closer to completing the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, with negotiations between the two clubs continuing to move in a positive direction.
The Blaugrana have reportedly already reached an agreement on personal terms with the German international, leaving the transfer fee as the final hurdle before a deal can be completed.
Borussia Dortmund are believed to value the 24-year-old at around €40 million, while Barcelona's initial offer is closer to €20 million. Although there remains a gap between the two clubs, there is growing confidence that a compromise can be reached.
If the transfer is finalized, one intriguing question immediately follows: how exactly will Hansi Flick use one of Germany's fastest and most versatile attackers?
Here are four tactical roles Adeyemi could play at Barcelona.
1. The Perfect Rotation Option for Lamine Yamal
The most obvious role would see Adeyemi operating on the right wing whenever Lamine Yamal is rested.
Yamal carried a huge workload throughout last season, and Flick will be determined to manage the teenager's minutes more carefully. Adeyemi's explosive pace, dribbling ability and willingness to attack defenders make him an ideal replacement without forcing Barcelona to change their style of play.
Rather than simply filling in, Adeyemi would ensure Barcelona remain dangerous on the right flank regardless of who starts.
2. A Dynamic Centre-Forward
Although naturally a winger, Adeyemi has repeatedly shown he can play through the middle.
His acceleration, intelligent movement and ability to run behind defensive lines make him an excellent option as a striker, particularly in matches where Barcelona want to exploit space in transition.
With creative players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Anthony Gordon supplying passes, Adeyemi's pace could become one of Barcelona's most dangerous attacking weapons.
His relentless pressing would also perfectly suit Flick's high-intensity tactical philosophy.
3. A Dangerous Option on the Left Wing
Another possibility would be deploying Adeyemi on the left side of the attack.
Despite competition from Raphinha and Anthony Gordon, the German possesses all the qualities needed to succeed on either flank. His direct running, explosive acceleration and confidence in one-on-one situations would give Barcelona another unpredictable attacking option.
His flexibility would allow Flick to make tactical adjustments during matches without needing substitutions, creating greater unpredictability against deep defensive blocks.
4. Part of a Fluid Three-Man Attack
Perhaps the most exciting scenario would involve Adeyemi becoming part of a completely fluid attacking trio.
In certain matches, Flick could deploy Lamine Yamal in a central false-nine role while Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon attack from the wings.
Such a system would maximize the strengths of all three players.
Yamal would enjoy greater freedom to drift into midfield, create chances and dictate play, while Gordon and Adeyemi would constantly threaten defenders with explosive runs into space.
Because all three attackers are comfortable switching positions throughout matches, Barcelona's frontline would become significantly more difficult for opponents to defend.
Flick's Tactical Flexibility Could Unlock Adeyemi's Best Football
What makes Adeyemi such an attractive target for Barcelona is not simply his speed or technical ability—it is his versatility.
He is capable of playing across every position in the front line, allowing Flick to rotate his squad without sacrificing quality or tactical intensity.
Whether on the right wing, left flank, through the middle or as part of a fluid attacking trio, Adeyemi would provide Barcelona with solutions in multiple systems.
If the Catalan club successfully completes the transfer, the German international could quickly become one of the most important tactical weapons in Flick's squad, giving Barcelona greater depth, flexibility and attacking unpredictability as they chase domestic and European success.