Young bosnian midfielder set to smash bundesliga transfer record
At Bayer Leverkusen, training resumed on Monday for players who had longer breaks after competing in the World Cup. One midfielder, however, will only participate sparingly in drills. The club cannot risk jeopardizing a record-breaking transfer in its final stages with an injury.
« He’s back on Monday with the squad that participated in the World Cup, » revealed Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes. Yet the likelihood of the Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic remaining at the club long-term is fading fast. A multi-million-euro deal is virtually finalized, following fierce competition from top European clubs.
Chelsea reportedly placed the highest bid, offering €40 million for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder. This figure aligns with Leverkusen’s expectations and would shatter the Bundesliga transfer record for a teenager. The previous record stood at €35 million, set by Bayern Munich in 2016 when they signed Renato Sanches from Benfica.
The twist? Alajbegovic has yet to make a single professional appearance for Leverkusen. The club isn’t losing an established player but rather a highly promising talent. « Kerim has made incredible progress, » Rolfes noted. « He’s ambitious, driven, and has developed at an astonishing pace. »
From adaptation struggles to world-class potential
Leverkusen’s strategy last summer involved loaning Alajbegovic to Red Bull Salzburg for €2 million, while securing an €8 million buy-back option. The gamble paid off swiftly. Though he faced early challenges—« I spent six weeks in a hotel, feeling lonely »—the midfielder soon turned his fortunes around.
In Salzburg, he delivered 13 goals and four assists in 44 official matches. « Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made, » he reflected. The experience not only elevated his game but also matured him as a person. « I hate losing—it drives me aggressively at times—but I’ve learned to channel that energy positively. »
His performances caught the attention of Leverkusen, who activated the buy-back clause in January. His World Cup heroics—including a stunning goal against Qatar—further cemented his reputation as a rising star. « His shooting technique is exceptional, even from outside the box, » Rolfes added. « That’s what sets him apart. »
Chelsea’s interest and Juventus’ late surge
The English club’s pursuit isn’t coincidental. Chelsea’s manager, Xabi Alonso, previously coached Alajbegovic at Leverkusen, where the youngster frequently trained with the first team but never made a competitive debut. Alonso’s familiarity with his skills likely influenced their €40 million valuation.
However, Chelsea’s recent signing of Morgan Rogers for €127 million for a similar position complicates matters. Reports suggest a potential immediate loan—possibly to Strasbourg, owned by Chelsea’s parent group—though Alajbegovic had previously ruled out such an arrangement.
This unexpected twist has reignited Juventus’ interest. Italian media now tip the Old Lady as the frontrunner, with reports of a €33 million fixed fee plus bonuses potentially reaching €40 million. Juventus claims they intend to integrate him immediately into their starting XI, a promise that may have clinched their advantage.
Whether Chelsea, Juventus, or another club secures the deal, one outcome is certain: a new Bundesliga transfer record is on the horizon.
