Bayer Leverkusen sells teenage wonderkid Alajbegovic to Juventus for €30m

The Bayer Leverkusen board has made a shrewd move by offloading 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus in a deal worth at least €30 million, plus potential bonuses. This transfer marks Leverkusen’s second lucrative exit for the young Bosnian international following his unremarkable stint in the Bundesliga.

Alajbegovic, who featured in four matches and scored once during the World Cup, never made a single competitive appearance for Leverkusen. His journey since leaving the club as a youth product tells a different story: after being sold to Red Bull Salzburg last summer for €2 million (with an €8 million buy-back clause), he thrived in Austria. In 44 appearances across all competitions, he netted 13 goals and provided four assists, proving his potential.

Despite interest from Chelsea, which reportedly tabled a €40 million offer, Alajbegovic chose Juventus, lured by the promise of an immediate starting position. The Italian giants now secure a rising star who can operate on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

Why Leverkusen prioritized profit over potential

Leverkusen’s decision to let Alajbegovic go stems from a crowded squad. Simon Rolfes, the club’s sporting director, explained: « After his development at Leverkusen and his breakthrough at Salzburg, we had to assess the competition at his preferred positions. Given the transfer package and our squad depth, we agreed to his move. »

The club faces stiff competition for places, with recent signings Afonso Bastardo Moreira (€29.5m from Olympique Lyon) and Eliesse Ben-Seghir (21) vying for spots alongside established talents like Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza. In such a competitive environment, Leverkusen opted to capitalize on Alajbegovic’s rising value rather than risk stifling his development on the bench.

This deal underscores Leverkusen’s strategy of nurturing young talent before selling at peak value—a model that has served them well in recent years.

Alajbegovic’s path to stardom

Born in Cologne and groomed at both 1. FC Köln and Leverkusen’s youth academies, Alajbegovic’s rise has been meteoric. His World Cup performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina caught the attention of Europe’s elite, but his time in Germany’s top flight never materialized. Now, with Juventus as his new home, he has the chance to prove his worth on a bigger stage.

The transfer fee, though not a Bundesliga record for under-19s, is still substantial. Renato Sanches holds that distinction, arriving from Benfica for €35 million in 2016. Yet Alajbegovic’s potential makes him a prime target for ambitious clubs, and Juventus’ willingness to pay reflects their confidence in his future.