beat Usain Bolt's sprint record and Man Utd want to sign me - this is my best position'

Manchester United could be in line for a serious injection of pace

Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund is challenged by Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City

Kariim Adeyemi is a target of Manchester United (Image: Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund sensation Karim Adeyemi has already revealed to Manchester United his preferred role with a thrilling declaration about how he flourishes in the final third. The Munich-born ace's future remains clouded in doubt with reports from Germany indicating that Ruben Amorim could be poised to pounce for the emerging talent.

The 23-year-old, who has previously been linked with Liverpool, ranks among Europe's most exciting prospects and has already collected 11 caps for Germany on the international stage, so it comes as little shock that United are keen on securing his signature. His displays this campaign, though, have been rather disappointing.

Adeyemi has managed to avoid finding the net or providing an assist since late September and has suffered a very public row with boss Niko Kovac.

Should United manage to land Adeyemi, he would bring considerable attacking threat to their forward line, which already features the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Karim Adeyemi has already revealed his favourite position

The rapid winger has been timed covering 30 metres in a blistering 3.6 seconds, outpacing even Usain Bolt's 3.78 record and establishing him amongst the swiftest players in world football.

He is the official fourth-fastest player in Bundesliga history, clocking 22.77mph in a win over Freiburg in the 2022/2023 season, with the pace earning him a goal in the process. The fastest-ever is Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who came in at a stunning 23.09mph last season, eclipsing Sirlord Conteh's record which was set in the very same campaign.

During a chat with Sky Sports two years ago, Adeyemi disclosed his favoured role having operated as both a striker and wide player throughout his career to date.

"I think I can play in almost any position in the offensive line," he said. "But right now I am thinking as a winger."

Adeyemi then disclosed where he excels most during match situations, adding: "I think to get on the nerves of the defenders all the time with one-against-one or runs behind the defenders. Being there where the defender cannot see me. Getting assists, getting goals. This, I think, is my game."

On his electric pace, he added in the interview that he doesn't think any footballer could get close to him on the field when it comes to raw gas. He also denied a suggestion he could take part in the 2024 Olympic Games.

His dispute with manager Kovac originated from an incident late last month, when Adeyemi hurled a water bottle in the direction of the dugout following his substitution.

Karim Adeyemi participates in the UEFA Champions League League Stage match between Manchester City and Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, on November 5, 2025. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Karim Adeyemi currently plies his trade for Dortmund (Image: Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Kovac subsequently criticised Adeyemi's behaviour publicly, describing it as "unnecessary". During Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Hamburg last weekend, Kovac seemed frustrated with Adeyemi's performance and withdrew him after 66 minutes.

Reports from Bild suggest talks regarding the winger's future have already commenced. With two years remaining on his existing deal, his representatives are allegedly seeking a lengthy contract extension alongside a £70million buyout clause.

Adeyemi's ascent through football's ranks has been extraordinary to witness, with his progression spanning numerous years despite his tender age. In 2019, he claimed Germany's Fritz-Walter Medal as the nation's most promising under-17 talent.

During that period at Red Bull Salzburg, he contributed one goal and four assists across just 12 appearances, helping secure the coveted honour.

Adeyemi subsequently netted nine times whilst providing 12 assists the following campaign, before registering an impressive 23 goals and nine assists in the season after that. He then secured his switch to Dortmund for the 2022/2023 season and received his maiden international call-up.

The Bundesliga have drawn parallels between him and Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah.

"Both goalscoring left-footers who make magic happen from out wide, there are plenty of similarities," reads the Bundesliga's comparison.

"Both are anti-Lionel Messis when it comes to their dribbling style, using high centre of gravity to trick defenders at speed. If they're not successful with a piece of skill, they tend to win a free kick in a dangerous area. Adeyemi prefers to start off the left to Salah's right, but there are signs that when it comes to entering the opponent's box, BVB's frontman could get even better."