Bayer Leverkusen Set to Break Bayern Munich's Bundesliga Transfer Record with Kerim Alajbegovic Move
Players at Bayer Leverkusen returned to training after their extended World Cup break, but one young talent will be involved cautiously. The club aims to avoid any injury risks that might jeopardize a major transfer deal nearing completion.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's sporting director, confirmed that 18-year-old Bosnian midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic was present for training but is unlikely to stay long-term. A bidding war has reportedly concluded with a multi-million euro transfer already agreed.
Record Offer from Chelsea
Chelsea reportedly made a €40 million offer for Alajbegovic, matching Leverkusen’s valuation and setting a new Bundesliga record for an under-19 player’s transfer fee. This surpasses the previous record set by Bayern Munich when they paid around €35 million for Renato Sanches in 2016.
What makes this deal unusual is that Alajbegovic has yet to play a single minute of professional football for Leverkusen. He is seen as a promising prospect rather than an established first-team player.
"Kerim has made an incredible development. He is extremely ambitious and has developed astonishingly quickly," said Rolfes to Sport1.
Growth Through Salzburg Experience
Last summer, Leverkusen sent Alajbegovic to Salzburg for further development, receiving €2 million for the loan but securing an €8 million buy-back option. After just six months, his impressive performance made it clear to Bayer that they would activate this clause.
Alajbegovic admitted adjusting to life in Salzburg was tough at first. "I was in a hotel for a month and a half, so I was very alone," he said. Once settled, his on-field form blossomed, registering 13 goals and four assists across 44 matches. He called the move the best decision for his growth both as a player and person.
International Impact and Rising Profile
Back at Leverkusen, Alajbegovic arrived as a near-established professional and World Cup participant. Before Salzburg, he considered himself more of a boy, but now he has matured significantly.
His standout performances last season triggered Leverkusen's buy-back and attracted interest from several clubs. He became Bosnia’s youngest ever debutant, playing a key role in the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Italy, and scoring a memorable goal against Qatar during the tournament.
"He has exceptional shooting technique, including from outside the box. That really makes him special," Rolfes commented.
Chelsea’s Link via Xabi Alonso
The Blues’ interest likely stems from head coach Xabi Alonso, who knows Alajbegovic well from their time together at Leverkusen. Alonso had included him in matchday squads previously, though the player did not get minutes then. Now, Chelsea reportedly value him at €40 million.
Still, Chelsea’s recent signing of Morgan Rogers complicates things. Rogers plays the same attacking midfield role and cost around €127 million, meaning Alajbegovic could face an immediate loan if signed—possibly to Racing Strasbourg, also part of the Blue Group, which Alajbegovic initially rejected.
Juventus Emerges as Favorite
Reports say Juventus has entered the race strongly, possibly sealing a deal for €33 million plus bonuses, totaling €40 million. Juventus promises Alajbegovic a starting XI role, something they have communicated to the player.
Only minor details remain before the transfer announcement. Regardless of whether Chelsea, Juventus, or another club wins the bidding war, a Bundesliga record transfer is imminent.
- Previous Record: Bayern Munich paid approx. €35 million for Renato Sanches (2016)
- New Potential Record: €40 million for Kerim Alajbegovic
- Age of Player: 18 years
- Clubs Interested: Chelsea, Juventus, others
- Transfer Fee Breakdown: Basic fee €33 million + bonuses to reach €40 million
- Player Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Recent Performance: 13 goals and 4 assists in 44 games for Salzburg
- International Achievements: Youngest Bosnian debutant, key role in World Cup qualifiers and tournament
