Juventus Signs Bayer Leverkusen Talent Kerim Alajbegović for €35 Million

Juventus has officially completed the signing of Kerim Alajbegović, an attacking talent from Bayer Leverkusen. The 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international has inked a five-year contract with the Italian giants, running until 2031.

The Turin club confirmed a guaranteed transfer fee of €30 million, to be paid in four installments. Performance-related bonuses could see the total fee rise to €35 million, with an additional €2 million in ancillary costs.

Alajbegović chose Juventus despite a last-minute attempt by Chelsea to sign him. Several other Italian clubs, including Atalanta and Napoli, had also shown interest in the winger.

Bayer Leverkusen had reacquired Alajbegović from RB Salzburg earlier this summer by exercising an approximately €8 million buyback clause. While he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 appearances in Austria, he departs without having played a competitive senior match for Die Werkself.

The winger previously made a significant impact for Leverkusen's youth teams, contributing 38 goals and 19 assists in 78 matches for their under-17 and under-19 squads. Alajbegović's departure represents a remarkable profit for Leverkusen on their recent investment.

Bayer Leverkusen has also been active in strengthening their squad, recently finalizing a €30 million deal for Napoli left-back Miguel Gutiérrez.

Statement on Kerim Alajbegović's Transfer

Leverkusen's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, commented on the move: “Kerim made significant progress in Salzburg following his time in our academy. At the same time, we had to realistically assess that the competition in our squad is very strong. Against this backdrop and considering the overall transfer package, we approved the move.”