Bayer Leverkusen Set to Break Bayern Munich’s Transfer Record with Kerim Alajbegovic Move
Interest in Kerim Alajbegovic from top English and Italian clubs has driven his transfer fee to record-breaking heights. It's not just the player who benefits; Bayer Leverkusen stands to smash a Bundesliga record previously held by Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen Protects Rising Star Amid Transfer Talks
Players who took extended breaks due to the World Cup returned to training at Bayer Leverkusen on Monday, but Alajbegovic will have limited involvement as the club aims to avoid injury risks that could jeopardize his pending high-value move. According to Bayer’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, the 18-year-old Bosnian’s long-term stay at the club seems unlikely after a multi-million euro transfer has already been agreed upon.
Record-Breaking Offer Surpasses Previous Highs
Chelsea reportedly offered 40 million euros for Alajbegovic, matching Leverkusen’s valuation and shattering the Bundesliga’s record for an Under-19 player. The prior record was Bayern Munich's purchase of Renato Sanches for about 35 million euros in 2016. What makes this transfer unusual is that Alajbegovic never played a single minute of professional football for Leverkusen, representing a leap based purely on potential.
Rapid Rise Through Salzburg and International Stage
Last summer, Leverkusen sent Alajbegovic to Salzburg for two million euros but kept a buy-back option for eight million. His rapid development convinced them to bring him back early. Despite initial loneliness during his time in Austria, he scored 13 goals and assisted four times in 44 games, gaining maturity both on and off the field.
"Before I came to Salzburg, I was still a boy," Alajbegovic reflected. "That is now behind me."
His performances also earned him a spot in Bosnia's national team, where he became the youngest debutant ever and contributed significantly in World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself, including a memorable goal against Qatar.
Coaching Connections and Transfer Prospects
Chelsea’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, knows Alajbegovic well from their time together at Leverkusen. Despite Chelsea’s strong interest, the recent signing of Morgan Rogers may complicate the move. Discussions include a possible loan to another club like Racing Strasbourg, a prospect Alajbegovic had previously rejected.
Juventus Emerges as Leading Contender
Reports suggest Juventus has re-entered the race and is close to an agreement for Alajbegovic. The deal is expected to be around 33 million euros upfront with bonuses pushing the total to 40 million euros, matching Chelsea's offer. Juventus promises a starting position for the player, a key factor in his decision.
- Transfer fee base: 33 million euros
- Total potential fee: 40 million euros including bonuses
- Previous record: Bayern Munich’s 35 million euros for Renato Sanches (2016)
- Alajbegovic’s stats at Salzburg: 13 goals, 4 assists in 44 matches
- Age: 18 years old
Whether it ends up being Chelsea, Juventus, or another contender winning the bidding war, one fact is clear: a Bundesliga transfer record will fall soon, and it involves a player who never appeared in a Bundesliga match.
