According to a report by Barca Universal on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Barcelona considered signing Yan Diomande at the beginning of the summer transfer window but eventually abandoned the move because of his high transfer valuation. Information attributed to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano indicated that the Catalan club shifted its attention to Karim Adeyemi, whom they considered a more affordable attacking option for manager Hansi Flick.

Diomande eventually joined Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer reportedly worth €125 million guaranteed, with another €15 million potentially payable through performance-related bonuses. Madrid’s decision to invest such a substantial amount highlighted the difference between the transfer strategies adopted by the two Spanish rivals during the summer window.

Interestingly, Adeyemi had also been offered to Real Madrid before Barcelona completed his signing. However, the Spanish giants reportedly decided against pursuing the German international because they did not consider him suitable for their preferred attacking profile. Barcelona, on the other hand, viewed him as a valuable addition to their forward line.

Adeyemi’s contractual situation at Borussia Dortmund played a significant role in making the transfer possible. His existing agreement was approaching its final year and was scheduled to expire in 2027. Reports suggested that the forward was unwilling to extend his stay, while his desire to join Barcelona strengthened the Catalan club’s negotiating position.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, presented the opportunity to Barcelona as the club searched for additional attacking quality. Dortmund subsequently faced the possibility of losing the player without receiving a transfer fee if his contract expired, creating an incentive to negotiate a deal before that happened.

Barcelona initially submitted an offer worth €20 million, but Dortmund rejected the proposal. Further negotiations eventually produced an agreement worth €22 million upfront, with an additional €7 million available through performance-related add-ons. The transfer was officially confirmed in July, and Adeyemi signed a contract running until 2031.

The forward’s versatility was another major attraction for Barcelona. He can operate on either wing or through the middle, giving Flick greater flexibility when selecting his attacking options. His pace also provides the team with another weapon when exploiting spaces behind opposition defences.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured Diomande for a reported €125 million guaranteed fee, potentially rising to €140 million with bonuses. Barcelona’s decision to pursue Adeyemi instead demonstrated their preference for a more economical approach, while Madrid showed a willingness to spend heavily to secure their preferred attacking target.