When you are the subject of intense transfer speculations from big clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool, then you must have something special.
Or, alternatively, you may be Karim-David Adeyemi the strapping youngster who’s got the entire football world talking about his performances this season. And such has been the buzz around him that it is reported that European heavyweights Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico had firm talks with the player’s representatives last week to discuss a prospective move. And, yes, Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested.
Then, of course, you expect Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to also throw their hats into the ring for what is sure to be a bidding war for the signature of the teenage sensation.
Adeyemi, a 19-year-old forward with three Germany caps, has lit up the Austrian Bundesliga this season, scoring 14 goals in 21 games in all competitions, at a rate of one goal every 100 minutes, drawing obvious comparisons with another former Salzburg striker, Erling Braut Haaland.
Adeyemi hasn’t done much to prevent a bidding war for his services, with his Champions League performances -including three goals in four games to lead his team to the top of Group G and a spot in the last 16 ahead of Lille, Wolfsburg, and Sevilla – attracting a lot of praise and even more similarities to former Austria Salzburg star Haaland.
He also made his national team debut last September, scoring his first international goal in a 17-minute cameo against Armenia.
Who’s he?
Adeyemi was born to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother in Munich, Germany. He is a Germany youth international, having already played for the U16s, U17s, and U21s. On 5 September 2021, he made his senior Germany debut in a 6–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification triumph over Armenia, coming on as a late substitute and scoring his side’s sixth goal in the 90’+1 minute. His debut was historic in that it was the first time a player from an Austrian club had played a match for Germany’s senior national team since the end of the World War.
Why’s he so hot?
With 10 goals in 12 games in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, Adeyemi’s best quality is his composure in front of goal with his favoured left foot.
The prolific striker has made 32 attempts, 25 of which were on target, for a success rate of 78.12 percent and five of his 13 goals in the Champions League and domestic leagues have come as his team’s first goal.
Salzburg elevated the teenager to the first squad after giving him playing time with their reserves and his last season’s performances were outstanding.
His rise to prominence this season has been aided by a modest shift in his playing style, as he has moved from the middle zone to the wings, particularly on the left, where he is posing a greater threat in front of the opponents’ goal than last season.
Another quality worth mentioning is his acceleration, as he can sprint 30 meters in 3.78 seconds, allowing him to get away from opponents.
Despite needing to improve his passing skills and physicality, his ability to dribble past opponents and finish, as well as win duels and retrieve the ball, will be his biggest weapons as he continues to grow in the game.
