Karim Adeyemi: Sancho, Davies and Haaland "are my favorites and role models"
RB Salzburg's Karim Adeyemi was one of the big winners of the Austrian market value update. In an exclusive interview with Transfermarkt, the young striker speaks about his still-young career, Red Bull's standing among young players, competition on the international level, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, who have been linked to him, as well as a potential comeback at Bayern Munich.
Transfermarkt: What chances do you think you will have at the Golden Boy Award? You are on the list of candidates, which includes 80 players aged 21 or younger.
Karim Adeyemi: I wasn't too surprised, but at first didn't realize it—only after RB Salzburg posted something. I don't care too much whether I will make it to the next round. I am happy about the nomination, that matters. Considering the top players, who are still on the list, it will be hard to stand out. But I would like to make it to the next round. Why not? But I don't think I have a chance to win it.
Transfermarkt: Who among Europe's top talents impresses you the most?
Adeyemi: Jadon Sancho, Alphonso Davies, and, of course, Erling Haaland. Those three have deserved it the most. They have played a super season and made a big step in their development. They are my favorites and role models, who I want to emulate.
Transfermarkt: How was 2020 for you?
Adeyemi: It was a highlight to join the first team after the winter training camp. Since then, it has been steadily going better and better. My first game in the Europa League (1-4 against Eintracht Frankfurt) was my biggest highlight this year. After the coronavirus break, it was nice to play again. I have used the time to further adapt to the team. It went well, and I am satisfied. But I think it could go even better.
Transfermarkt: You have a contract until 2024 at Red Bull Salzburg without an exit-clause. Will you be the next player to leave the club as part of a big deal?
Adeyemi: I don't think about it. I want to play well at Salzburg, bring my performance, and get my minutes. I want to show what I can do. Then we can see if other teams also think I am good and want me. At that point, we will see.
Transfermarkt: Why did you decide to renew your contract in January rather than accepting a lucrative offer from another club?
Adeyemi: My family and I are very comfortable in Salzburg, and I can develop well here. I decided to stay here. That was the next good step. Let's see what comes next.
Transfermarkt: Is Salzburg the perfect steppingstone club to make the step to another club?
Adeyemi: It is a great club for young players to show themselves on the biggest stage. Red Bull Salzburg is one of the best clubs for young players.
RB Salzburg's Adeyemi without a career plan - Open to return to Bayern Munich
Transfermarkt: You turned 18 in January. When does your career plan foresee the next step?
Adeyemi: I have no clear plan. I want to play for Salzburg and give everything for the club. The rest will come.
Transfermarkt: In December, you admitted that you closely follow Borussia Dortmund. They have signed 17-year-old Jude Bellingham. He is the latest European top talent to join the club is Dortmund the best address for young players?
Adeyemi: I think Dortmund do a good job and give young players time, which helps them in their development. As I have said before, I am a little BVB fan and like it how they play, their philosophy.
Transfermarkt: Did you ever have contact with the Black and Yellows? They were supposedly interested...
Most expensive talents (18 or younger)
Adeyemi: I never really paid much attention to that and focused on my tasks with the team here in Salzburg. I didn't plan to move.
Should Bayern make an offer, I think—if everything falls into place and I am comfortable with it—I would decide to go that path
Transfermarkt: You were part of Bayern's Academy until 2012 but then left because it wasn't a good fit between the two sides. Would you consider returning to your former club?
Adeyemi: I have no hate towards Bayern. We just decided to make that step. Everything was in order. Should Bayern make an offer, I think—if everything falls into place and I am comfortable with it—I would decide to go that path. It all depends on what the offer would look like and whether it is what I want.
Transfermarkt: Barcelona were also interested in you but have lost some of their glorious reputation of yesteryear and seemed to have aged a bit in recent years. How do you see the development of the Catalans?
Adeyemi: Barcelona is a club with many good and experienced players. Sure they are all getting older. But I think that they will make some good transfers. Barça will always be a strong club—even without Messi or other experienced players.
Adeyemi wants to stay healthy and grow his market value
Transfermarkt: After your latest update, you are now worth €9 million, the highest market value in your career, which makes you the second most valuable German U20 player after Florian Wirtz.
Adeyemi: I can't complain about it. I am happy with it.
Transfermarkt: Where do you see your limit?
Adeyemi: I can't say, you determine the value after all. But if I keep playing well, then the result will be that I am getting more expensive. (laughs)
All Changes: The New Market Values In The Austrian Bundesliga
Transfermarkt: Some talents were praised early and then disappeared. What are you doing to ensure that that won't happen to you?
Adeyemi: I just play my style and hope that it works. I can't guarantee but hope that I will stay injury-free. My style of play will give me some added attention, I think. I will do everything to make it to the very top.
I am not the type, who likes running without a ball, but it is part of the game
Transfermarkt: What was the corona-break like for you?
Adeyemi: One couldn't do a lot, and that was, without a doubt, strenuous. Our athletics department has a few not so cool people (smiles). That wasn't great for me. I am not the type who likes running without a ball, but it is part of the game.
Transfermarkt: You could play with RB Salzburg in the Champions League...
Adeyemi: I get goosebumps thinking about that; it would be an incredible feeling. Even if it is just the Europa League, that would still be great. I am looking forward to it.
Interview: Philipp Marquardt Translation: Manuel Veth
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jan 18, 2002 (22)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Borussia Dortmund
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2027
- Position:
- Left Winger
- Market Value:
- €28.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €225.00m
- Competition:
- Bundesliga
- Position:
- 1.
- Manager:
- Onur Cinel
- Squad size:
- 31
- Latest Transfer:
- Hendry Blank
- Total Market Value:
- €929.45m
- Competition:
- Bundesliga
- Position:
- 2.
- Manager:
- Thomas Tuchel
- Squad size:
- 27
- Latest Transfer:
- Bryan Zaragoza