Bayer Leverkusen has pulled off a remarkable transfer coup by selling 18-year-old Bosnian international Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus for a reported fee of €30 million, making it one of the most lucrative deals in football history.
The young winger, who never made a Bundesliga appearance for Leverkusen, had already been sold last summer to Red Bull Salzburg for €2 million, with an €8 million buy-back clause activated after his impressive performances in Austria. He scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 competitive matches during his time there.
Despite never featuring for Leverkusen’s first team, Alajbegovic’s potential was evident, having represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a goal in four appearances. His transfer to Juventus surpasses the previous record for a teenager leaving the Bundesliga, previously held by Renato Sanches when Bayern Munich signed him from Benfica for €35 million in 2016.
What made Alajbegovic choose Juventus over Chelsea?
While reports suggest Chelsea had tabled a higher offer of €40 million, Alajbegovic opted for Juventus after the Italian giants guaranteed him an immediate starting position. The promise of regular first-team football proved decisive for the young star, who had also been linked with a move to Xabi Alonso’s former club.
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Why did Leverkusen let Alajbegovic go?
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, explained the club’s decision, stating, « After his time in our youth system, Kerim made significant progress at Salzburg. However, with the intense competition in our squad, particularly in his preferred positions, we had to make a realistic assessment. Considering the overall transfer package, we accepted his move to Italy. »
Alajbegovic, capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, would have faced stiff competition at Leverkusen from recent signings such as Afonso Bastardo Moreira (€29.5 million from Olympique Lyon) and Eliesse Ben-Seghir (21 years old). Midfielders Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza were also expected to compete for playing time.
