As Bayer Leverkusen’s World Cup participants resumed training on Monday, one player, Kerim Alajbegovic, is undertaking his duties with extreme caution. This measured approach aims to prevent any last-minute injury from jeopardizing what is anticipated to be a record-shattering transfer deal.

“He is here on Monday for the return of the World Cup players,” stated Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes, referring to Kerim Alajbegovic. However, the prospect of the 18-year-old Bosnian remaining long-term with the Werkself now appears highly improbable, as his multi-million-euro transfer, fueled by a bidding war, is reportedly already finalized.

FC Chelsea had reportedly prepared the most substantial offer for Alajbegovic. According to information, the Blues proposed 40 million euros for the attacking midfielder. This figure aligns with Leverkusen’s valuation and would establish a new Bundesliga transfer record: no other German top-flight club has ever bought or sold a U19 player for a higher sum. The current record is held by FC Bayern Munich, who paid approximately 35 million euros to Benfica for Renato Sanches in 2016.

The most remarkable aspect, from Bayer’s perspective, is that Alajbegovic has yet to play a single professional minute for the club. Leverkusen is therefore not losing a first-team regular, but rather a promising talent with a brilliant future. “Kerim has undergone an incredible development. He is extremely ambitious and has progressed at an astonishing speed,” Rolfes shared.

Kerim Alajbegovic’s rapid ascent after initial challenges

This rapid progression was precisely Leverkusen’s intention when they allowed their young prospect, Alajbegovic, to join Salzburg last summer. The Austrian club paid two million euros, but the Werkself secured a buy-back option for eight million euros. Within just six months, everyone at Bayer recognized that this option would be exercised. Alajbegovic had proven too impressive at Salzburg, despite encountering some initial adaptation difficulties. “At first, it was really tough: I spent a month and a half in a hotel, feeling very lonely,” he admitted to Salzburg club media.

Once he found his footing, his on-field performance soared. Alajbegovic netted 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 official matches for the Austrian side, allowing him to conclude his time at Salzburg by stating, “Coming here was the best decision.” He explained that he had matured both as a player and as a person, offering a candid example of his personal growth: “I’m someone who truly hates to lose. I really hate it. Sometimes, I become very aggressive – and I’ve also learned to keep my calm.”

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This pivotal intermediate step brought him back to Leverkusen this week, where he returns as a confirmed quasi-professional and World Cup participant. “Before arriving in Salzburg, I was still a boy,” Alajbegovic acknowledged, but that is now firmly in the past. His performances last season not only prompted Bayer to activate his buy-back option but also placed him on the wish lists of numerous other prominent clubs. Adding to his allure were the 18-year-old’s appearances for the Bosnian national team, where he remains the youngest player to ever debut.

During the World Cup qualifiers, he played a decisive role in victories against Wales and Italy, and he continued to shine at the World Cup itself, including a spectacular goal against Qatar. “He possesses exceptional striking technique, even from outside the box. That’s what truly makes him special,” Rolfes enthused.

Xabi Alonso’s connection to Kerim Alajbegovic at Chelsea

Chelsea’s pursuit of Alajbegovic is likely no coincidence. Xabi Alonso now occupies the manager’s bench at Stamford Bridge, and he is intimately familiar with the young talent from his tenure at Leverkusen. Under Alonso’s guidance, Alajbegovic had previously been included in the matchday squad on several occasions, though he had yet to make a brief appearance. Alonso undoubtedly retains a clear understanding of the Bosnian’s qualities – qualities that were reportedly valued at 40 million euros by Chelsea.

However, his actual move to the Blues now seems rather unlikely. Chelsea recently acquired Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a staggering 127 million euros, filling a similar attacking midfield role to Alajbegovic. Consequently, Alajbegovic is reportedly scrutinizing Chelsea’s plans, which might involve an immediate loan to another club after the transfer, for example, to Racing Strasbourg, which, like Chelsea, belongs to the Blue Group. This is an outcome he had previously, according to reports, ruled out for himself.

This development has reportedly reignited Juventus Turin’s interest in the Bosnian. In recent days, the Italian giants have emerged as favorites in the transfer negotiations for Alajbegovic, with reports even suggesting an agreement between all parties. The 18-year-old is expected to join the Old Lady for a fixed fee of 33 million euros; the Werkself could also anticipate bonuses that would elevate the total amount to the 40 million euros reportedly offered by Chelsea.

Crucially, Juventus is reportedly emphasizing their immediate plans to integrate Alajbegovic into their first team, a commitment that has been personally communicated to him. According to information, only a few final details remain before an official announcement can be made. Ultimately, it matters little whether Chelsea, Juventus, or another club that might still enter the transfer race secures his signature.

One thing appears quite certain: a new Bundesliga transfer record is about to be set.