Manchester United attempted to “hijack” Borussia Dortmund’s move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi, according to Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger.
The German journalist claims the Red Devils offered the 20-year-old £150,000 a week (approximately £7.8m a year) to make the switch to Old Trafford but the player rejected the proposal:
Manchester United tried to hijack Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming transfer deal with Karim Adeyemi. The player turned down a top offer (£150k salary per week) as he always wanted to join #BVB. The striker will sign a 5-year-contract without release clause in the coming days. @SPORT1
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) May 3, 2022
Dortmund are expected to pay around €41m (£3.5m) for Adeyemi, including add-ons. A number of other English clubs (in addition to United) have been linked with the German international in recent months, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, the player is believed to have his heart set on a return to the Bundesliga, after spending the last four years in Austria.
Undoubtedly, Ralf Rangnick had a part to play in United’s pursuit of Adeyemi. The United manager worked for the Red Bull Group when the striker was signed so he would surely have recommended the player to the Manchester club’s recruitment team.