Hansi Flick has delivered a characteristically honest assessment of Karim Adeyemi's first appearance in a Barcelona shirt, admitting the marquee summer signing "was not very good" in flashes during the club's pre-season friendly against Birmingham City.

Adeyemi, unveiled last week after Barcelona struck a cut-price deal with Borussia Dortmund ahead of the German's contract entering its final 12 months, was handed a starting berth at St. Andrew's as the Blaugrana were held to a 2-2 draw by the English outfit. The 24-year-old endured a difficult evening, looking largely out of sorts in his new club's tactical setup.

"I've seen a better Karim"

Drawn on the performance of his recent addition after the match, Flick did not mince his words — though he was quick to stress that the circumstances of a first week in a new environment demand patience.

"Karim, some things he did were not very good. I think he has more potential to show, but he is still in the first week of training so that's normal. I've seen a better Karim in training with his speed and finishing, but he has a lot of potential and can give us a lot."

The German international, who can operate on either wing or through the middle, is expected to play a significant role in Flick's plans this season — particularly while the club's search for a new striker continues.

Cortés sends Flick a message of his own

Adeyemi was not the only talking point to emerge from the trip to England. Young central defender Álvaro Cortés used his minutes off the bench — and a stunning top-corner spot-kick in the ensuing penalty shootout — to make a very public case for promotion.

The 21-year-old, who has spent the past few weeks training under Flick and his staff as part of the pre-season programme, made just one La Liga start in 2025/26. Speaking to the media after the Birmingham clash, he left no room for doubt about his ambitions for the campaign ahead.

"I've already completed my time with the reserve team, and what I'd like is to stay with the first team and earn a place."

With the La Liga opener against Elche now just three weeks away, Flick has plenty to weigh up — a new signing still finding his feet, and an academy graduate knocking loudly on the first-team door.