MY ACCOUNT
Karim Adeyemi will be looking to show Bayern Munich what they are missing when the Bavarians face FC Salzburg tonight.
The Austrian champions’ man of the moment spent two years in Bayern’s youth set-up before being released a decade ago.
But the in-form forward has a chance to get revenge against his old side tonight when Matthias Jaissle’s outfit host the Bundesliga giants in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
Ahead of that match, we take a look at why Adeyemi is viewed as one of Europe’s hottest prospects and consider what the future holds for the in-demand attacker.
Big breakthrough
Adeyemi has already played 79 times for Salzburg but it is only this season that he has truly exhibited his many talents.
The 20-year-old has scored 18 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions during the current campaign, including three in six Champions League matches.
The latest in a series of striking sensations to emerge from the Red Bulls’ ranks, it is a matter of when and not if Adeyemi follows the likes of Patson Daka and Erling Haaland in securing a big move to one of the continent’s elite leagues.
Meeting Munich
Ahead of tonight’s game, Adeyemi spoke about the significance of the encounter.
He said: “The game means a lot to me. I’m a Munich boy. I’m looking forward to a big game.
“Bayern is under pressure. We’re motivated and want to win. We can make life difficult for Bayern with our quality and intensity.
“We’re about to play our game against what is probably the best team in the world. We have that self-confidence working for us.”
When later questioned about his future, he gave a more conservative response: “As I’ve said many times, my focus is on Salzburg. Nothing has been decided.
“What happens in summer happens in summer.”
Shooting for the stars
With 14 goals — only two of which have been penalties — in 18 games, Adeyemi is on course to finish the season as the Austrian Bundesliga’s top scorer.
He has found the net at a rate of exactly one goal per 90 minutes, which is the highest average of any player to have played the equivalent of five full matches or more this term.
The same goes for his remarkable record of 1.86 shots on target per 90.
Adeyemi has quickly emerged as the best striker in Austria — and they do not tend to stick around for long, especially at a club whose modus operandi is to buy, develop and sell on for a profit.
Doing it for Die Mannschaft
Having represented Germany at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21 level, Adeyemi made his senior debut for Die Mannschaft in September — as a substitute in a 6-0 World Cup qualifying win over Armenia.
In doing so, he made history by becoming the first player based in Austria to feature for the German national team since the Second World War.
And it did not take him long to get on the scoresheet, as he netted the sixth goal of the game 20 minutes after coming on. A first start for Hansi Flick’s side cannot be too far away.
Erling’s heir?
Adeyemi looks set to be on the move this summer — and he might be about to succeed another former Salzburg star.
If Haaland leaves Borussia Dortmund, it goes without saying that he will need replacing. So it is no surprise that BVB are reportedly closing in on a deal for the Red Bulls’ No27.
The Black and Yellows activated Haaland’s £17.1million release clause to sign the Norwegian goal machine two years ago.
But Salzburg could be in for a substantially bigger pay day if Adeyemi makes the same switch, with the Austrians said to be demanding as much as £33.5m for his services.
With Europe watching, tonight’s game could be Adeyemi’s stage to impress his growing list of potential suitors.
