Borussia Dortmund’s 2–0 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday night ought to have been a straightforward, positive story.
Instead, the talking point quickly shifted away from the result and onto Karim Adeyemi’s reaction when his number went up just after the hour mark.
Substituted by new Dortmund boss Niko Kovac, the winger did not hide his frustration — and that response has now sparked criticism from former players, pundits, and his own club hierarchy.
Adeyemi’s Exit Raises Eyebrows
Adeyemi, who has been linked heavily with Manchester United, walked past the Dortmund bench and headed straight toward the tunnel after being taken off.
Cameras caught sporting director Sebastian Kehl grabbing him by the arm to stop him disappearing down the tunnel as the two exchanged sharp words on the touchline.
It was a moment that instantly overshadowed the match — and one that didn’t sit well with observers watching at home.
Khedira Pulls No Punches
World Cup winner Sami Khedira was quick to weigh in, branding Adeyemi’s behavior unacceptable.
Speaking on DAZN, he made it clear that frustration is no excuse for abandoning the team.
“Going into the locker room early is disrespectful — to the coach and especially to your teammates,” Khedira said.
“You can be angry, but you support the players still out there. They notice these things.”
For Khedira, the issue wasn’t emotion — it was where that emotion was directed.
Hamann Adds to the Criticism
Dietmar Hamann echoed those sentiments the following day, offering a blunt assessment on Sky.
“He didn’t play well,” Hamann said.
“You can’t just walk off in the final game before the break and not watch the last half hour. I don’t understand it.”
The message from both pundits was clear: Adeyemi’s performance didn’t justify the reaction.
Dortmund Bosses Are Not Amused
Inside the club, patience also appears thin.
Sebastian Kehl confirmed that Adeyemi’s behavior would not be ignored — and that punishment is coming.
“I told him, ‘You’re not going into the locker room, sit down,’” Kehl said.
“And honestly, the substitution was justified. Karim didn’t have a good game.”
Kehl added that decisions belong to the coach and must be accepted, before confirming that Adeyemi will be fined.
A Situation Already Under the Microscope
The timing of the incident could hardly be worse for Adeyemi.
The 23-year-old’s future at Signal Iduna Park has been uncertain for months, and this latest episode only fuels speculation that a parting of ways may be looming.
Under contract until 2027 after joining from Red Bull Salzburg, Adeyemi remains one of Dortmund’s most valuable assets — and one that several European giants are watching closely.
Manchester United Watching Closely
Manchester United are understood to be among the clubs monitoring the situation.
Adeyemi’s camp is reportedly pushing for a release clause of around £70 million in any contract extension, which would make a future exit far more straightforward.
While Dortmund traditionally avoid release clauses, there are growing suggestions the club may be willing to bend that rule in this case.
Personal Life Adds Another Layer
Adding to the intrigue is the influence of Adeyemi’s wife, Swiss rapper Loredana.
According to reports in BILD, she is keen for the next step in his career to take place in a major European city — a preference that may be shaping discussions behind the scenes.
The pair met in 2023 and married a year later in a private ceremony, and those close to Adeyemi believe lifestyle considerations are playing an increasing role in his thinking.
Mendes Enters the Picture
Perhaps most telling of all is Adeyemi’s recent decision to sign with super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese powerbroker has strong connections at Old Trafford and recently helped United land Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte.
If Adeyemi does push for a move, Mendes may be the key figure unlocking the door.
A Talented Player at a Crossroads
Friday’s touchline drama may seem like a moment of frustration, but within Dortmund — and across Europe — it is being viewed as something more telling.
Adeyemi remains a hugely talented attacker, but questions about attitude, consistency, and direction are now louder than ever.
With transfer speculation intensifying and emotions spilling over, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether his future lies in Dortmund — or far away from it.
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