Karim Adeyemi's Camp Nou Presentation Delayed

Karim Adeyemi will have to wait for his Camp Nou moment.

The former Borussia Dortmund winger completed his move to FC Barcelona last week, but the classic unveiling on the pitch, in front of thousands of fans and a sea of shirts and camera flashes, has been pushed back.

Not because of paperwork. Because of the World Cup final.

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina dominated the football landscape yesterday, and Barcelona’s hierarchy chose to be there for it. President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco both travelled to the showpiece and are not expected back in the city until Tuesday.

With the two key figures away, Barcelona have delayed Adeyemi’s official presentation. The club now plans to introduce the 24-year-old to the media and the supporters on Wednesday, 22 July, at their stadium, restoring a tradition that has framed so many eras at Barça.

It was not how the club originally drew it up. The intention had been to wrap up the deal before the weekend, get the signing sealed and have Adeyemi straight into training under Hansi Flick. A swift integration, a quick handshake with his new coach, and then straight into the rhythm of pre-season.

Instead, the winger waits a little longer for his first steps on the Camp Nou turf as a Barcelona player, while the club’s decision-makers fly home from the game that briefly took priority over everything else.