Karim Adeyemi Tells Dortmund He Wants Out After Girlfriend Pushes for Life in Europe’s Big Cities

Borussia Dortmund are bracing for a potential high-profile exit after German forward Karim Adeyemi reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave, with personal reasons playing a decisive role in his decision.

According to reports by BILD, the 23-year-old attacker has made it clear to club officials that his future may lie away from Dortmund, following pressure from his girlfriend, who is said to prefer living in one of Europe’s major metropolitan cities.

Sources close to the situation suggest the issue is not football-related but lifestyle-driven, with Dortmund viewed as too quiet compared to global hubs such as London, Paris, Madrid, or Milan. The revelation has added a human dimension to what is quickly developing into a full-blown transfer saga, highlighting how off-pitch factors increasingly shape modern football careers.

In a move that has intensified exit speculation, Adeyemi has reportedly changed his agent and opened discussions aimed at renegotiating his current contract. Insiders believe this step is less about improved terms at Dortmund and more about positioning himself for a strategic transfer in the near future. Such a maneuver is often interpreted within football circles as a clear signal that a player is preparing the ground for departure.

Adeyemi’s future at the Signal Iduna Park now hangs in the balance, with Dortmund aware that interest in the pacey forward remains strong across Europe. Clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga have previously monitored his situation, drawn by his explosive speed, positional flexibility, and ability to stretch defenses at the highest level.

Since joining Dortmund, Adeyemi has grown into one of the club’s most dangerous attacking outlets, delivering key goals and assists in both domestic and European competitions. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Dortmund are fully aware that losing him would represent both a sporting and commercial blow, especially at a time when the club is seeking stability amid frequent squad turnover.

Fans have reacted with mixed emotions to the reports, with some expressing frustration that personal lifestyle preferences could outweigh loyalty to the club, while others acknowledge the realities of modern football, where players’ private lives increasingly influence professional decisions. The situation has reignited debates about whether clubs in smaller cities face an inherent disadvantage in retaining young stars as fame, wealth, and global exposure reshape player priorities.

For now, Dortmund have not issued an official statement, but internally the club is said to be preparing for multiple scenarios — from persuading Adeyemi to stay, to demanding a significant transfer fee should he push for an exit. With the summer window approaching, talks are expected to intensify rapidly.

As speculation grows over Adeyemi’s next destination, one thing is clear: this is no longer just a football decision. It is a reminder that careers at the elite level are often shaped as much by personal relationships as by tactics, trophies, and titles — and in this case, the pull of Europe’s biggest cities may prove stronger than Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall.