On September 2, 2025, just hours after the English summer transfer window slammed shut, Manchester United confirmed it had entered serious negotiations with Jorge Mendes over a potential deal for Karim Adeyemi, the 23-year-old German international forward from Borussia Dortmund. The move, reported by Sky Sport Germany, signals a bold final push by the club’s transfer committee to shore up its attack — not with a splashy, headline-grabbing signing, but with a quiet, calculated bid for one of Europe’s most underrated strikers. It’s not just about replacing lost firepower; it’s about redefining identity under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Depleted attack, urgent need
Manchester United’s summer was defined by exits as much as arrivals. By September 1, they’d sent Marcus Rashford on loan to Barcelona, moved Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa, and permanently sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea. All three were key attacking options. Add in the loan of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli and the departure of Antony to Real Betis, and suddenly, United’s front line looked thin. Even Amorim, known for his structured, high-pressing systems, admitted in a post-deadline interview that "we needed more pace, more unpredictability in the final third."
Five signings, but still questions
Yes, United spent around £215 million. Matheus Cunha (£62.5m), Bryan Mbeumo (£71m), Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon ($4m), and Senne Lammens (goalkeeper) all arrived. But only Mbeumo and Cunha are true attacking threats. Sesko is raw. Leon is 17. Lammens is backup. The club didn’t sign a natural No. 9. And that’s where Adeyemi fits.
At 23, he’s exactly the type of player Amorim covets: explosive, technically gifted, capable of playing as a lone striker or drifting wide. He’s scored 19 goals in 53 Bundesliga appearances since joining Dortmund in 2022. His contract runs until June 30, 2027 — a detail that makes him a bargain at €60-70 million, especially compared to the £100+ million paid for similar players in recent years. Mendes, who brokered Ronaldo’s 2003 and 2021 moves to United, knows the club’s culture. He also knows Adeyemi is open to a new challenge. The German international has never played outside Germany — and he’s watched United’s recent decline with interest.
Why Mendes? Why now?
Mendes doesn’t just represent players — he represents influence. His agency, Gestifute, controls the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabinho, and James Rodríguez. When he calls, clubs listen. And when he calls United, it’s rarely casual. This isn’t a fishing expedition. It’s a targeted strike.
Amorim’s staff reportedly identified Adeyemi weeks ago. But with the window closed, they had to act fast. The club’s financial constraints — largely due to Casemiro’s £400,000 weekly salary and the lack of significant sale proceeds beyond Cunha and Mbeumo — meant they couldn’t afford to miss out. Adeyemi’s market value, while high, is realistic. Dortmund, under new sporting director Michael Zorc, is willing to sell if the offer is right. And United? They’ve got the cash. They just need the green light.
What about Guéhi? And the defensive mess?
While the attack is the headline, the defense remains a concern. The Daily Mail reported that Marc Guéhi, Crystal Palace’s 24-year-old captain, has told his club he won’t renew his contract, which expires in June 2026. United are monitoring him closely. But with Harry Maguire still on the books earning £200,000 a week, a move for Guéhi is unlikely unless Maguire departs — and that’s not happening this window. The club’s defense still relies too heavily on 30-year-old Victor Lindelof, who was released after the Europa League final loss to Tottenham in May. Their lack of a true, modern center-back is a ticking time bomb.
What’s next?
Expect formal offers within 72 hours. If Dortmund accepts, Adeyemi could be unveiled before the end of the week. If not, United’s next move will likely be a loan or emergency signing in January. But make no mistake — this is about more than one player. It’s about proving that under Amorim, United is serious about rebuilding with precision, not panic.
Behind the scenes: The transfer committee’s tightrope
Under sporting director Dan Ashworth, United’s transfer strategy has been methodical — and controversial. They passed on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, a 20-year-old Cameroonian defensive midfielder, because they felt he didn’t fit Amorim’s system. They waited until deadline day to sign Lammens because they refused to pay a premium for a backup keeper. That’s discipline. But it also leaves them exposed. Adeyemi could be the difference between a top-six finish and another season of mid-table mediocrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Karim Adeyemi such a good fit for Manchester United right now?
Adeyemi brings pace, directness, and clinical finishing — qualities United lost when Rashford, Sancho, and Garnacho departed. At 23, he’s young enough to grow with Amorim’s system, yet experienced enough to start immediately. His €60-70 million valuation is reasonable for a player with his stats and contract length, especially compared to the inflated prices of recent Premier League transfers.
How does Jorge Mendes influence this deal?
Mendes isn’t just a middleman — he’s a connector. He brokered Ronaldo’s move to United in 2003 and again in 2021, meaning he understands the club’s expectations and culture. His involvement suggests this isn’t a casual inquiry; it’s a serious offer. He also controls Adeyemi’s representation, giving him leverage to push a deal through quickly if both sides are aligned.
What’s the financial impact of signing Adeyemi?
Signing Adeyemi for €65 million would push United’s summer spending to roughly £230 million. But with £133.5 million already recouped from Cunha and Mbeumo, and other sales expected, the net spend remains manageable. The bigger issue is wages — Adeyemi’s salary would likely be around £100,000–120,000 per week, which is sustainable if they offload higher earners like Maguire or Casemiro later.
Could this deal happen before the Turkish window closes on September 11?
Yes. While the English window closed on September 1, international transfers can still be agreed upon until September 11. Players like Andre Onana moved to Trabzonspor on that date, proving the system allows flexibility. Adeyemi’s deal could be finalized before the Turkish deadline, with registration completed once the player’s international clearance is processed.
What happens if Manchester United misses out on Adeyemi?
They’ll likely turn to the January window, targeting players like Randal Kolo Muani or a free agent striker. But the risk is high — without a true striker, Amorim’s 4-2-3-1 system will struggle in tight games. Fans may lose patience if United start the season with only Mbeumo and Cunha as primary attackers. Adeyemi isn’t just a good option — he’s becoming the most logical one.
Is this part of a larger rebuild under Ruben Amorim?
Absolutely. Amorim’s first summer wasn’t about nostalgia — it was about transformation. He wanted pace, pressing, and technicality. The signings of Cunha, Mbeumo, and now potentially Adeyemi reflect that. Even Lammens, the goalkeeper, fits his preference for ball-playing keepers. This isn’t a rebuild with old names — it’s a reinvention with new DNA.