At just 18 years old, Kerim Alajbegovic has already made headlines in European football after completing a record-breaking transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Juventus. The Bosnian winger, who never made a single Bundesliga appearance for Leverkusen, will now join the Italian giants for a reported fee of at least €30 million, plus additional incentives.
This transfer marks the second time Leverkusen has sold Alajbegovic, who first moved to Red Bull Salzburg last summer for €2 million with an €8 million buy-back clause. After impressing at Salzburg—scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 44 appearances—the club activated the clause, reacquiring him before finalizing his move to Juventus.
He may not hold the record for the most expensive teenager transferred in Bundesliga history—that distinction belongs to Renato Sanches, who joined Bayern Munich for €35 million in 2016—but Alajbegovic’s deal is still historic.
Why did Juventus win the race for Alajbegovic?
The Old Lady secured the young star despite Chelsea reportedly offering €40 million for his services. According to insiders, Juventus’ promise of an immediate starting position swayed his decision, as did the opportunity to play under former Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.
Alajbegovic’s versatility—capable of featuring on either flank or in an attacking midfield role—has made him a hot commodity. At Leverkusen, he would have faced stiff competition from high-profile signings like Afonso Bastardo Moreira (€29.5 million from Olympique Lyonnais) and Eliesse Ben-Seghir (21), as well as established talents Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, explained the club’s rationale: “After his development at Leverkusen and further progress at Salzburg, we had to assess the competition in our squad realistically. Given the transfer package, we agreed it was the right moment for him to move to Italy.”
From World Cup debut to Juventus stardom?
Alajbegovic’s rise has been meteoric. He earned his first Bosnia and Herzegovina caps at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in four matches and scoring a goal. His performances caught the attention of Europe’s elite, culminating in this lucrative deal.
The teenager’s journey—from youth ranks at 1. FC Köln and Leverkusen to Bundesliga benchwarmer, Salzburg breakthrough star, and now Juventus recruit—highlights the unpredictable nature of football transfers. For Leverkusen, it’s a shrewd financial move; for Juventus, a gamble on raw potential; and for Alajbegovic, a chance to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages.
