At Bayer Leverkusen, players who enjoyed extended holidays following their World Cup commitments resumed training on Monday. However, one particular talent will participate in drills and sessions with extreme caution, as the club is determined to avoid any injury that could jeopardize a record-breaking transfer in its final stages.

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

Chelsea Football Club reportedly tabled the highest offer for Alajbegovic, with figures suggesting the Blues proposed 40 million euros for the attacking midfielder. This sum aligns with Leverkusen’s expectations 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 amount. The previous benchmark was set by FC Bayern Munich, who paid approximately 35 million euros to Benfica for Renato Sanches in 2016.

The most remarkable aspect, or perhaps the sheer audacity, from Bayer’s perspective, is that Alajbegovic has yet to play a single minute for the senior professional team. Leverkusen is therefore not losing a key squad member, 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 remarked.

Kerim Alajbegovic’s journey after initial adaptation challenges

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

Once he settled in, his performance on the pitch soared. Alajbegovic netted 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 official matches for the Austrians, allowing him to conclude his time in Salzburg by stating, “Coming here was the best decision.” He explained how he matured both as a player and as a person, offering a personal anecdote about his growth: “I am someone who truly hates to lose. I genuinely detest it. Sometimes, I become very aggressive – and I was also taught to remain calm.”

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This pivotal intermediate step brought him back to Leverkusen this week, where he returns as a confirmed professional and World Cup participant. “Before I arrived in Salzburg, I was still a boy,” Alajbegovic admitted, but that period is now firmly in the past. His outstanding performances last season not only prompted Bayer to exercise their buy-back option but also placed him on the wish lists of numerous other clubs. Adding to his allure were his appearances for the Bosnian national team, where he became their youngest-ever debutant.

During the World Cup qualifiers, he played a decisive role in victories against Wales and Italy, and he also shone at the World Cup itself, notably scoring 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 intimate knowledge of Kerim Alajbegovic

It is no coincidence that Chelsea is pursuing Alajbegovic so vigorously. Xabi Alonso, now at the helm at Stamford Bridge, knows the young talent intimately from his time at Leverkusen. Under the Spaniard, Alajbegovic was frequently included in matchday squads, though he never made 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 improbable. Chelsea recently acquired Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a substantial 127 million euros for a similar attacking midfield position. Consequently, Alajbegovic is reportedly re-evaluating Chelsea’s plans, which might include an immediate loan to another club after the transfer, such as 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 pursuit of the Bosnian midfielder. In recent days, the Italian giants have emerged as the favorites in the transfer saga surrounding Alajbegovic. Reports even suggest 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 benefit from bonuses that would push the total amount up to the 40 million euros reportedly offered by Chelsea.

Crucially, Juventus is emphasizing that they plan to immediately integrate Alajbegovic into their first team, a commitment that has reportedly been communicated directly to him. Sources indicate that only a few final details remain to be settled before an official announcement can be made. Ultimately, whether Chelsea, Juventus, or another club that might still enter the transfer poker wins the race, one thing appears certain: a new Bundesliga transfer record is about to be set.