Players who enjoyed extended holidays due to World Cup commitments rejoined training at Bayer Leverkusen on Monday. However, one specific individual will partake in activities with significant limitations. This cautious approach is crucial to prevent any injury from jeopardizing what is anticipated to be a record-breaking transfer in its final stages.

“He is here on Monday for the World Cup players’ return,” Bayer Sporting Director Simon Rolfes confirmed regarding Kerim Alajbegovic. Yet, the prospect of the 18-year-old Bosnian remaining with the Werkself long-term appears highly unlikely. A multi-million euro transfer, fueled by intense competition, is reportedly already agreed upon.

FC Chelsea had reportedly tabled the most substantial offer for Alajbegovic. The Blues were prepared to pay €40 million for the attacking midfielder, a figure that aligns with Leverkusen’s expectations. This sum would establish a new Bundesliga transfer record, as no other German top-flight club has ever acquired or sold a U19 player for a higher amount. The current benchmark was set by FC Bayern Munich in 2016, when they paid approximately €35 million to Benfica for Renato Sanches.

The most remarkable aspect of this deal, from Bayer’s perspective, is that Alajbegovic has yet to play a single professional minute for the club. Leverkusen stands to lose not a seasoned first-team player, but rather a promising talent with a bright future. “Kerim has undergone incredible development. He is extremely ambitious and has progressed at an astonishing pace,” Rolfes highlighted.

Kerim Alajbegovic’s meteoric rise after initial struggles

This rapid ascent was precisely what Leverkusen envisioned when they allowed their young prospect Alajbegovic to join Salzburg last summer. The Austrian club paid €2 million, but the Werkself prudently secured a buy-back option for €8 million. Within just six months, it became clear to everyone at Bayer that this option would be exercised. Alajbegovic’s performances in Salzburg were simply too impressive, despite some initial adaptation challenges. “At first, it was really difficult; I spent a month and a half in a hotel, very much alone,” he recounted to Salzburg’s club media.

Once he settled in, 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 there by stating, “Coming here was the best decision.” He explained how he matured both as a player and as a person, openly sharing an example of his personal growth: “I’m someone who truly hates to lose. I really hate it. Sometimes, I become very aggressive – and I was also taught to remain calm.”

Getty Images

This intermediate step brought him back to Leverkusen this week, returning as a confirmed near-professional and World Cup participant. “Before coming to Salzburg, I was still a boy,” Alajbegovic confessed, acknowledging his past. His performances last season not only prompted Bayer to activate their buy-back clause but also placed him on the wish lists of numerous other clubs. Adding to his appeal were the 18-year-old’s appearances for the Bosnian national team, where he became their youngest ever debutant.

During the World Cup playoffs, he played a pivotal role in victories against Wales and Italy, and he further distinguished himself at the World Cup itself, notably with a spectacular goal against Qatar. “He possesses exceptional shooting technique, even from outside the box. That’s what truly makes him special,” Rolfes enthused.

Chelsea coach xabi alonso’s intimate knowledge of kerim alajbegovic

Chelsea’s keen interest in Alajbegovic is far from coincidental. Xabi Alonso, now at the helm at Stamford Bridge, is intimately familiar with the young talent from his tenure at Leverkusen. Under Alonso’s management, Alajbegovic had previously been included in the match-day squad on several occasions, though he never made a brief appearance. Alonso undoubtedly retains a clear understanding of the Bosnian’s qualities – qualities reportedly valued at €40 million by Chelsea.

However, his move to the Blues now appears less likely. Chelsea recently secured Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a substantial €127 million, filling a similar attacking midfield role. Consequently, Alajbegovic is reportedly re-evaluating Chelsea’s intentions, which might involve an immediate loan to another club post-transfer, such as Racing Strasbourg, also part of the Blue Group. This is a prospect he had reportedly ruled out for himself previously.

This development has reportedly reignited Juventus Turin’s pursuit of the Bosnian. In recent days, the Italian giants have emerged as the frontrunners in the transfer saga surrounding Alajbegovic. Reports indicate an agreement between all parties is nearing completion. The 18-year-old is expected to join the Old Lady for a fixed fee of €33 million, with potential bonuses that could elevate the total amount to the €40 million reportedly offered by Chelsea.

Crucially, Juventus is emphasizing that they intend to integrate Alajbegovic directly into their first team, a commitment reportedly communicated to him personally. Only a few final details are said to remain before an official announcement can be made. Ultimately, whether Chelsea, Juventus, or another club that might still enter the fray secures his signature, one outcome seems increasingly certain: a new Bundesliga transfer record is about to be set.