From Leverkusen’s reserves to a record-breaking deal

Bayer Leverkusen is preparing for a historic moment. The club is on the verge of finalizing a transfer that will rewrite the Bundesliga record books—and it won’t even lose a single player in the process. The focus of this groundbreaking deal? Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old Bosnian midfielder who has yet to make a professional appearance for Leverkusen but is already attracting bids from Europe’s elite.

Chelsea, Juventus, and Leverkusen’s bold gamble

With international duty behind him following the World Cup qualifiers, Alajbegovic is back in Leverkusen for pre-season training. However, his return is purely symbolic. The club has already agreed to a transfer with Chelsea, which proposed a staggering €40 million—surpassing the previous Bundesliga record of €35 million set by Bayern Munich for Renato Sanches in 2016. Yet, the Blues’ pursuit may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Morgan Rogers’ arrival at Chelsea complicates the situation. The young English midfielder, signed from Aston Villa for €127 million, could render Alajbegovic surplus to requirements before he even arrives. Chelsea may instead consider loaning him out immediately, potentially to Racing Strasbourg, another club under the same ownership as the Blues. This unexpected twist has reignited Juventus’ interest in the Bosnian prodigy.

The rise of a teenage sensation

Alajbegovic’s journey to the top has been meteoric. After a difficult start in Salzburg following his €2 million move from Leverkusen last summer, he found his footing—scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 44 appearances. His performances earned Leverkusen the right to exercise an €8 million buy-back clause, which they promptly did. Now, just six months later, he stands on the brink of a record-breaking transfer.

“At first, it was really tough. I spent a month and a half in a hotel, feeling very alone,” Alajbegovic admitted. But once he adapted, both on and off the pitch, his growth was undeniable. His World Cup qualifiers for Bosnia and Herzegovina, including a crucial goal against Wales and a standout performance against Italy, have only heightened his profile.

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea connection

The link between Alajbegovic and Chelsea is no coincidence. Current Blues manager Xabi Alonso knows the Bosnian well from his time at Leverkusen, where Alajbegovic was frequently named in matchday squads but never given playing time. Alonso, who has a history of developing young talent, would have likely integrated him into Chelsea’s squad. However, with Rogers now in the picture, the path for Alajbegovic at Stamford Bridge is less clear.

Juventus emerges as a dark horse

While Chelsea was initially the frontrunner, Juventus has now entered the fray. Reports suggest the Old Lady has agreed to a €33 million fee for Alajbegovic, with potential performance-based bonuses pushing the total close to Chelsea’s offer. The Turin-based club is reportedly ready to hand the teenager a starting role, a factor that could tip the scales in their favor.

Regardless of who ultimately secures his signature—Chelsea, Juventus, or another club yet to enter the race—one thing is certain: a new Bundesliga transfer record is all but guaranteed. And for Bayer Leverkusen, this deal will be a financial windfall, even if they never see Alajbegovic play a single minute for their senior team.