Bayern munich’s teenage transfer record set to fall as bayer leverkusen seals deal

The race for Bosnian teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic has intensified, with English and Italian giants vying for his signature—and Bayer Leverkusen stands to break a Bundesliga transfer record in the process.

As players returned from World Cup duty at the start of the week, Leverkusen’s squad prepared for training. One player, however, began at reduced intensity: the club’s 18-year-old midfielder, whose impending transfer makes every precaution critical. Kerim Alajbegovic will not return to competitive action with Leverkusen, despite only recently rejoining the squad after his international commitments.

Simon Rolfes, the club’s sporting director, confirmed that Alajbegovic attended Monday’s session but emphasized the delicate nature of his situation. “He’s back with the group after the World Cup,” Rolfes explained, “but the chances of him staying long-term are practically zero. A multi-million-euro transfer is already agreed in principle.”

How a 40-million-euro deal could shatter Bundesliga records

Chelsea had initially tabled the highest offer for Alajbegovic, reportedly proposing €40 million—a figure matching Leverkusen’s valuation. If completed, this would obliterate the Bundesliga’s teenage transfer record, currently held by Bayern Munich’s 2016 acquisition of Renato Sanches from Benfica for approximately €35 million.

What makes this deal especially remarkable is that Alajbegovic has never played a single minute of professional football for Leverkusen. The club isn’t losing a star player; it’s trading away a rising talent still waiting to make his debut.

“Kerim’s development has been extraordinary,” Rolfes told Sport1. “He’s fiercely ambitious and has progressed at an astonishing rate.”

A journey from uncertainty to elite potential

Leverkusen’s decision to loan Alajbegovic to Red Bull Salzburg last summer—with a €8 million buy-back clause—was deliberate. The club invested €2 million upfront, confident that his talent would justify the return. The gamble paid off spectacularly.

After initial struggles—“The first month and a half were tough. I was alone in a hotel, feeling isolated”—Alajbegovic found his footing. He scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 official matches for Salzburg, earning praise as much for his maturity as his performances. “Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he reflected. “I’ve learned to control my emotions, even when I hate losing.”

His World Cup appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina further cemented his reputation. Starting as the youngest player in the squad, he delivered decisive performances against Wales and Italy in qualifiers, then illuminated the tournament with a stunning strike against Qatar. “His shooting technique is world-class, even from outside the box,” Rolfes noted. “That’s what sets him apart.”

Chelsea’s interest fades as Juventus emerges as frontrunner

The Blues’ pursuit of Alajbegovic wasn’t coincidental. Former Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso—now Chelsea’s manager—knows the Bosnian well. Alajbegovic trained with Chelsea’s first team under Alonso but never made a competitive appearance. Now, with Morgan Rogers arriving for €127 million, the Blues may no longer need Alajbegovic’s services, potentially opting for a loan instead.

This shift has revitalized Juventus’ bid. Italian reports suggest the Old Lady has agreed terms with all parties, proposing a €33 million base fee—boosted by performance-related bonuses that could push the total to €40 million, matching Chelsea’s initial offer. Juventus has even assured Alajbegovic of an immediate first-team role, a decisive factor in the young star’s considerations.

While Chelsea’s financial firepower once made them favorites, Juventus now leads the race. Whether it’s the Turin club, another contender, or an unexpected latecomer, one thing is certain: Bundesliga’s teenage transfer record will fall—and Leverkusen will profit from a deal that never required Alajbegovic to wear their shirt in competitive action.