Niko Kovač has dismissed rumors of interpersonal tensions with Karim Adeyemi as pure fantasy, defending the BVB offensive player against public criticism.
“I talk to all my players, but I can honestly say that I have spoken to Karim the most since I’ve been here. I like him incredibly because he is uniquely good as a person, a great kid, not a bad person,” Borussia Dortmund’s coach gushed about his protégé in the Bild podcast ‘Phrasenmäher’.
Contrary to some media reports, Adeyemi is, in Kovač’s opinion, «sometimes too good a kid. He doesn’t have any malice. And I am absolutely convinced that he can become a very great footballer if he adapts certain things. But for that, he has to believe in me a little more,» Kovač stated.
The eleven-time German international has faced repeated public criticism this season. On one hand, his fluctuating and inconsistent performances in the BVB jersey have been debated. On the other hand, the 24-year-old has also drawn negative attention for impulsive actions off the pitch, such as ordering a mystery box or a tantrum during the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Furthermore, the offensive player was rumored to have at least a tense relationship with Kovač. This was also cited as a reason why Adeyemi was reportedly considering leaving Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming transfer window.
Will Karim Adeyemi Stay at BVB Beyond the Summer?
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether he will extend his contract with the Black and Yellows, which runs until 2027, or if he will indeed depart after the season. When asked about Adeyemi’s future a few weeks ago at a press conference, Kovač stated: «I can’t say anything about that now because I don’t know how far the talks have progressed. Therefore, all of this would be pure speculation. But that doesn’t necessarily mean my feeling is bad. There is still time.»
Sport Bild recently reported that negotiations between the player and the club are currently on hold. In the calls between BVB and Adeyemi’s agent Jorge Mendes, the key points that Dortmund’s Sporting Director Ole Book had previously defined internally with Sports Director Lars Ricken were outlined. However, the harmony apparently had its limits: Mendes also presented his demands, and the result of these initial attempts at reconciliation is sobering.
The problems are buried deep in the details. «Both parties are currently very far apart,» the report states. The sticking points are, on the one hand, the offensive player’s future salary, and on the other hand, there is disagreement over the structuring of release clauses that could become effective from the summer of 2027.
Should the negotiations fail, an departure in the summer would be anything but unlikely. In that case, BVB could at least generate a considerable transfer fee for the 24-year-old. Various clubs from England, Italy, and Spain are reportedly showing interest in Adeyemi.