Bayer Leverkusen Set to Break Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga Transfer Record with Kerim Alajbegovic Deal

Interest in Kerim Alajbegovic from clubs across England and Italy has escalated sharply. This competition benefits not only the young player but also Bayer Leverkusen. The club is poised to break a long-standing Bundesliga transfer record previously held by Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen Prepares for World Cup Return, But Alajbegovic's Future Is Uncertain

Players who participated in the World Cup received extended breaks but returned to training at Bayer Leverkusen this Monday. Still, 18-year-old Bosnian midfielder Alajbegovic is expected to participate minimally as the club wants to avoid injury risks ahead of his potential record-breaking transfer.

Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes said, "He will be there on Monday for the World Cup players' return, but the chances of him staying long-term here are slim due to his multi-million euro move already being set."

Record-Breaking Offer From Chelsea

Chelsea reportedly tabled the highest bid for Alajbegovic, offering around 40 million euros. This figure matches Leverkusen’s valuation and would set a Bundesliga record for an Under-19 player’s transfer. Previously, Bayern Munich held this record after paying approximately 35 million euros to Benfica for Renato Sanches in 2016.

Remarkably, Alajbegovic has yet to make his professional debut for Leverkusen. The club is essentially parting ways with a promising prospect rather than an established first-team player.

Rolfes commented, "Kerim has made incredible progress. He’s very ambitious and has developed astonishingly quickly."

Alajbegovic’s Growth Through Salzburg Loan

Last summer, Leverkusen allowed Alajbegovic to join Salzburg on loan for two million euros, with an eight million euro buy-back option included. After just six months, Leverkusen decided to bring him back, impressed by his performances despite initial struggles adapting to life away from home.

At Salzburg, he scored 13 goals and provided four assists over 44 matches. Alajbegovic credited the move with helping him mature both as a player and a person.

He reflected, "I was very alone at first, living in a hotel for six weeks. Now I’m much more mature. I hate losing and sometimes get aggressive, but I’ve learned to stay calm."

World Cup Impact and Rising Profile

Returning to Leverkusen, Alajbegovic arrived as a near-established professional and a World Cup participant. His performances during the season and for Bosnia’s national team—where he became the youngest debutant—have drawn attention from numerous clubs.

He played key roles in Bosnia’s victories over Wales and Italy in World Cup play-offs and scored a memorable goal against Qatar at the tournament. Sporting director Rolfes praised his exceptional shooting skills, especially from outside the box.

Chelsea’s New Coach Xabi Alonso Boosts Interest

Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, knows Alajbegovic well from their time together at Leverkusen. Alonso had included the youngster in matchday squads before, although he hadn’t yet appeared on the pitch. This familiarity likely influenced Chelsea’s willingness to pay a record fee.

Despite this, a move to Chelsea appears uncertain. The club recently signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, reducing the need for another attacking midfielder. Reports suggest Chelsea might loan Alajbegovic immediately, possibly to Racing Strasbourg, another Blue Group club—a scenario he had previously dismissed.

Juventus Enters the Race

This uncertainty reopened interest from Juventus. Italian media now report that Juventus is favored to sign Alajbegovic, with a deal close to completion. The agreement would involve a base fee of 33 million euros plus bonuses that could total 40 million euros, matching Chelsea’s offer.

Juventus reportedly plans to integrate Alajbegovic directly into their starting lineup, a key selling point communicated to him personally.

• Transfer fee base: 33 million euros
• Total potential fee including bonuses: 40 million euros
• Clubs involved: Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Chelsea
• Previous record: Bayern Munich’s 35 million euros for Renato Sanches in 2016

Only minor details remain before the transfer can be finalized. Regardless of which club ultimately secures Alajbegovic’s signature, a new Bundesliga transfer record seems certain.