14 Sept 2026 15:33 BST |
4 min read
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Karim Adeyemi is quickly becoming one of the bargains of the season at Barcelona, while Yan Diomande struggles at Real Madrid.
Eyebrows were raised when reports emerged in the summer that the reigning LaLiga champions were set to sign Adeyemi. It wasn’t the fact that Barcelona were interested that came as a shock.
On the contrary, that wasn’t a surprise at all. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gave the winger his senior Germany debut in 2021 and it was clear that he needed a change of scenery this summer.
The eye-catching part of this transfer was the fee. Borussia Dortmund had previously demanded north of €50 million for the 24-year-old, yet Barcelona managed to snag him for just €22 million upfront.
And six games into the new season, this is already looking like money well spent. Despite only starting twice, Adeyemi has already bagged three goals and an assist. His strike against Levante at the weekend was nothing short of spectacular.
Adeyemi’s girlfriend takes aim at Diomande
Adeyemi’s early-season fortunes stand in stark contrast to those of Yan Diomande on the other side of the El Clasico divide. The young Ivorian was also signed from the Bundesliga this summer, but in order to land him, Real Madrid had to agree a financial package worth up to €140m.
Diomande has played roughly 40 fewer minutes than Adeyemi this term, but his performance levels have been nowhere near the German’s. The teenager has yet to contribute to a goal, and he was ultimately disappointing in his first start at the weekend.
Given the fee attached, Diomande’s start to life at Real Madrid has caused some consternation, but manager Jose Mourinho has urged patience with the 19-year-old. “He’s going to keep improving,” the Portuguese said after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
“He has very little experience playing top-level European football and has a lot to learn. His potential is clearly visible. He’s a very strong player and gives us a lot of options.”
Naturally, though, Diomande’s struggles and his price tag make him an easy target for those of a Barcelona persuasion – including Adeyemi’s outspoken girlfriend Loredana.
The rapper, who is no stranger to controversy, has caused a stir with a social media jib at Diomande. Responding to Adeyemi’s most recent Instagram post, she first commented “vamos Karim” and then “140 million.”
Clearly, she’s insinuating that her boyfriend is a much better signing than Diomande, and for a fraction of the cost, too.
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