This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Transfermarkt, Liverpool are interested in signing Karim Adeyemi.
What’s the story?
The German U17 international has a number of potential suitors. Along with Liverpool, Arsenal are also said to be pursuing the teenager, as are Borussia Dortmund.
It is Barcelona, though, who currently lead the way, and the Catalan club are even said to have made a €15m (£12.8m) offer for the RB Salzburg player, who is currently on loan at FC Liefering in Austria’s second tier.
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Roberto Firmino-like
Adeyemi is still at the start of his professional career, having played just 31 games at senior level. After all, he doesn’t turn 18 until January of next year. But he has excelled in front of goal during that time. He has yet to make his debut for Salzburg after signing from SpVgg Unterhaching, but he spent last season, as well as this one, on loan at Liefering.
He has done well, too. So far, he has made 28 starts for the club, scoring 11 goals in the process. He also bagged twice in three games for Salzburg’s U19 team in the UEFA Youth League. Not only that, but the youngster also has five goals in 13 appearances for Germany’s various youth levels.
Interestingly, he has also proven himself to be a good provider for his teammates. He has almost picked up as many assists – eight – as he has goals for the Austrian side. Four of which have come in just 11 outings this term. Much like Roberto Firmino, albeit over a period a lot shorter. The Brazil international has 69 goals for Liverpool, but also 55 assists, and it is often his underrated teamwork that contributes to the Anfield outfit’s success rather than his goalscoring capability.
€15m (£12.8m) would be a bit of a gamble considering he is so young and has only played in the second tier. But, given the similarities stats-wise to Firmino, it could be a transfer that would pay off in the future. Aged 28, the former Hoffenheim man won’t be around forever, and Jurgen Klopp will need to plan ahead at some point. Adeyemi could be a long-term option for the 52-year-old.