An 18-year-old Bosnian midfielder is on the verge of making history in German football, as his impending transfer is set to eclipse the Bundesliga’s previous record deal. The young talent, Kerim Alajbegovic, has not yet made a single professional appearance for his current club, Bayer Leverkusen, yet his value has skyrocketed due to a fierce bidding war among Europe’s elite clubs.
The transfer saga began last summer when Leverkusen loaned Alajbegovic to Red Bull Salzburg for a reported €2 million. The German club retained an €8 million buy-back option, which was swiftly activated after the youngster impressed during his six-month stint in Austria. In 44 official matches, he scored 13 goals and provided four assists, proving his potential as a rising star in European football.
Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, described Alajbegovic’s development as remarkable. « Kerim has shown incredible ambition and progress at an astonishing pace, » Rolfes stated. The player himself acknowledged the challenges of adapting to life abroad but emphasized how his time in Salzburg transformed him both as a footballer and a person. « Before arriving in Austria, I was still a boy. Now, I feel like a professional, » he said.
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Alajbegovic’s performances did not go unnoticed on the international stage. The young midfielder made his debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup qualifiers, becoming the nation’s youngest-ever player to feature in a competitive match. His standout moments included crucial contributions against Wales and Italy in the play-offs, as well as a stunning goal against Qatar in the group stage. « His shooting technique, even from outside the box, is exceptional. That’s what makes him truly special, » Rolfes added.
Chelsea and Juventus enter the race
Chelsea has emerged as the frontrunner in the transfer battle, reportedly offering €40 million to secure Alajbegovic’s services. However, the Blues’ recent signing of Morgan Rogers for €127 million for a similar position may complicate matters. Reports suggest Chelsea could consider an immediate loan to balance the squad, possibly to Racing Strasbourg, a club owned by the same parent company as the London side.
Juventus has also thrown its hat into the ring, with Italian media claiming a €33 million deal is nearly finalized. The Old Lady is reportedly keen to integrate Alajbegovic into the first team immediately, a factor that could sway the young player’s decision. The total transfer fee, including potential bonuses, could reach the €40 million mark that Chelsea had proposed.
An unprecedented Bundesliga transfer record
Regardless of which club secures Alajbegovic, one thing is certain: the transfer will set a new benchmark in the Bundesliga. The previous record was held by Bayern Munich, which paid €35 million for Renato Sanches from Benfica in 2016. Alajbegovic’s deal will surpass that figure, marking a historic moment for the German top flight.
For Bayer Leverkusen, losing Alajbegovic before he has made a single Bundesliga appearance may seem unusual, but the club stands to gain financially from the record-breaking fee. The youngster’s rapid rise has already made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, and his future in football looks exceptionally bright.
