Leverkusen has pulled off a masterstroke in the transfer market, offloading 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus for a reported €30 million, despite him never featuring in a Bundesliga match for the club.
The Bosnian international, who made four appearances and scored one goal at the FIFA World Cup, becomes the most expensive teenager ever sold by a Bundesliga side. His departure follows a summer 2025 move to Red Bull Salzburg for €2 million, with Leverkusen retaining an €8 million buy-back clause that was later triggered after Alajbegovic impressed in Austria.
How Leverkusen turned a profit on an untested talent
Alajbegovic’s development trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. After struggling initially in Salzburg’s competitive environment, he transformed into a reliable attacking outlet, netting 13 goals and providing four assists across 44 matches in all competitions. His performances caught the attention of Europe’s elite, with Chelsea reportedly offering €40 million for his services—€10 million more than Juventus eventually paid.
The Old Lady, however, secured his signature by guaranteeing him a starting berth, swaying the young star away from the Premier League and former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. The deal includes an additional €2 million in fees and potential bonuses worth up to €5 million, bringing Leverkusen’s total revenue from Alajbegovic to €37 million—a staggering return on an investment that never saw him play a competitive minute for the club.
Why Leverkusen chose profit over potential
Speaking to club media, Sporting Director Simon Rolfes shed light on the decision: « After progressing through our academy, Kerim took another significant step forward at Salzburg. That said, our squad’s depth at his positions—both wings and attacking midfield—is exceptional. Given the global transfer landscape and the package on offer, we concluded this was the optimal moment to monetize his talent. »
The arrival of high-profile recruits like Afonso Bastardo Moreira (€29.5 million from Olympique Lyon) and Eliesse Ben-Seghir (21) further intensified competition for playing time, with midfielders Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza also vying for minutes. Rolfes emphasized that the financial gain outweighed the risk of keeping an unproven asset in a squad brimming with established talent.
What’s next for Alajbegovic in Turin?
Alajbegovic’s move to Juventus marks another chapter in his rapid ascent from academy prospect to sought-after talent. While his Bundesliga career never materialized, his Serie A debut will be closely watched as he seeks to justify his €30 million price tag. For Leverkusen, the deal underscores a shrewd business approach—prioritizing profit over sentiment in an era where transfer fees for young players continue to defy expectations.
