Manchester United target "explosive" winger Karim Adeyemi, who may have a new £80 million clause. Can Mendes' influence secure this Bundesliga star and boost their attack?
Would you take Adeyemi at Manchester United?
Manchester United are set to target a new winger in the summer transfer window, not as a priority position, but an imperative one nevertheless.
Premier League star Antoine Semenyo was a player heavily linked to the Reds before his move to Manchester City, as he was seen as the ideal option for the wing.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought in instead, and they have shone so far in a rocky season for the Reds, scoring a combined 17 goals between them.
Patrick Dorgu became an alternative option as United struggled for form, but the board feels another winger is needed to further progress as a club, as Christopher Vivell and the team are set to target a Bundesliga star.
United shortlist Adeyemi
Karim Adeyemi is a name floating around as a potential signing this summer for many top European clubs. Bayern Munich and PSG are two clubs toying with the idea of signing the German.
Adeyemi's form has improved season on season since he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022, scoring seven goals and recording three assists so far in the Bundesliga.
TeamTalk has noted that Dortmund are currently in the process of proposing a new contract to Adeyemi, which would reportedly include an approximate £70 million release clause, £15 million more than the potential £55 million fee the winger is currently valued at.
United have previously expressed their interest in the 24-year-old, valuing the player as a viable option to challenge Amad, Cunha, and Mbeumo for their places in the starting eleven.
Another factor that may entice the United recruitment team is Adeymi's adaptability; the board seems to have favoured signing players who can operate in multiple positions. For example, Mbeumo has frequently been used as a striker and a winger this season.
Jorge Mendes factor is imperative
It's no secret that superstar agent Jorge Mendes has a positive relationship with United, representing many former players such as Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, and, crucially, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Adeyemi was signed by Mendes' agency in August of last year, which could be a key factor in the winger's transfer away from Dortmund, and could attract the player and his camp to Manchester.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority stake owner and head of football operations, recently met with Jorge Mendes to talk about his involvement with United.
Ratcliffe's attempts to give United the upper hand in future recruitment could pay dividends in the Adeyemi deal.