Chelsea don become favourite to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina young star Kerim Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen. The 18-year-old midfielder dey valued at £30 million. Alajbegovic score against Qatar for World Cup last month and start three games for Bosnia, including round-of-32 defeat to United States.
He be one of the most rated attacking midfield prospects for Europe. Alajbegovic return to Leverkusen dis summer after buyback deal from Red Bull Salzburg. Juventus and other clubs still dey interested, but Chelsea now look ready to do deal.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso know Alajbegovic well. Alonso dey Leverkusen when the boy come through academy. Although Alajbegovic never play professional match for Leverkusen, Alonso support the move. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho go Aston Villa.
Alajbegovic originally target Juventus and Serie A clubs like Atalanta and Fiorentina. But recent months change situation. He be one of many Leverkusen academy products developed for first-team or profit. Leverkusen activate €4 million buyback from Salzburg dis summer. Dem decide to sell and buyback to make sure Salzburg play him.
Alajbegovic play for Europa League league phase and score nine goals with three assists for Austrian Bundesliga. His performance make clubs take notice for data analysis. Since winning 2024 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, Leverkusen focus on player trading and development. Dem reach Champions League last 16 for two years. But dem slip to sixth for Bundesliga last season and go play Europa League next.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes and director of football Kim Falkenberg build strong squad. Bayer Future group dey run by Dieter Schreiber and Matthew Green. Alajbegovic come from local rivals FC Köln. Others for group include Francis Onyeka, Noah Mbamba, and Abdoulaye Faye. Leverkusen also sign Germany under-20 international Farid Alfa-Ruprecht from Manchester City.
