The young Bosnian international Kerim Alajbegovic never made a single competitive appearance for Bayer Leverkusen, yet the Bundesliga club has just completed a staggering €30 million transfer deal sending him to Juventus. The move, including potential bonuses, marks one of the highest fees ever paid for an under-19 player in Bundesliga history.
At just 18 years old, Alajbegovic made his mark on the global stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in four matches and scoring once. His impressive performances caught the attention of top European clubs, with Juventus ultimately outbidding rivals for his signature.
This isn’t the first time Leverkusen has profited from the teenager’s talent. After initially selling him to Red Bull Salzburg for €2 million in 2025—with an €8 million buy-back clause—the club activated the option following his strong season in Austria. There, he blossomed into a reliable winger, tallying 13 goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Rival clubs chased the same talent
Despite Chelsea allegedly offering €40 million for Alajbegovic, the teenager chose Juventus over the Premier League. Reports suggest the Italian giants guaranteed him a starting position, swaying his decision in their favor. His preference for Serie A over competing offers highlights the strategic choices young players now face in their careers.
Why Leverkusen decided to let him go
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, clarified the club’s reasoning: « After his development in our youth system, Kerim continued to progress significantly during his time at Salzburg. However, we had to realistically assess the intense competition for his position within our squad. With several high-profile signings arriving—including Afonso Bastardo Moreira (€29.5m from Olympique Lyonnais) and Eliesse Ben-Seghir (21)—alongside established talents like Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza, we concluded that the global transfer package presented the best opportunity for both the player and the club.»
The move underscores Leverkusen’s growing reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent before capitalizing on their peak market value. For Alajbegovic, the Juventus deal represents not just a financial milestone but a career-defining step toward senior-level success in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
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