With no official Bundesliga minutes to his name, teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic has just set a new benchmark in German football’s transfer market.
Bayer Leverkusen confirmed the 18-year-old Bosnian winger’s move to Juventus in a deal valued at a minimum €30 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total closer to €35 million. The transfer marks Leverkusen’s second high-profile exit of a teenage prospect in as many years, following a similar deal for the same player last summer.
From unused substitute to record-breaking transfer
The young international, who featured in four matches and scored once at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, never made a competitive appearance for Leverkusen despite being part of the first-team squad. His journey through European football has been anything but conventional.
After joining Leverkusen’s youth setup from 1. FC Köln, Alajbegovic was sent on loan to Red Bull Salzburg last season, where he flourished. In 44 appearances across all competitions, he netted 13 goals and provided four assists, prompting Leverkusen to activate their €8 million buy-back clause. The club then opted to cash in once more, this time to Serie A giants Juventus.
Juventus beats Chelsea to teenage talent
Reports suggest Chelsea tabled a €40 million offer for the left-footed attacker, but the player chose Turin over London. Juventus reportedly guaranteed him a starting position, overcoming interest from multiple Premier League clubs and former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, now at Chelsea.
Why Leverkusen decided to let him go
Speaking on the decision, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes explained, “After his development at Leverkusen and impressive performances at Salzburg, we had to assess the competitive landscape at his positions. With Afonso Bastardo Moreira and Eliesse Ben-Seghir joining our ranks, plus established talents like Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza, the pathway to regular minutes was severely limited. Given the total value of this transfer package, it made sense to finalize the deal.”
The move underscores Leverkusen’s evolving strategy, prioritizing high-value exits over long-term development when the market dictates. For Alajbegovic, the transfer represents not just a financial windfall but a clear vote of confidence in his rapid progression.
