Youngster impresses in Salzburg
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At the beginning of July, Bayer 04 Leverkusen let offensive talent Kerim Alajbegovic move to Red Bull Salzburg for 2 million euros. The now 18-year-old joined the top Austrian club until 2028 and even extended it until 2029 at the end of September. The Werkself still kept the reins in their hands because they secured a buy-back option for 2026 and 2027 as part of the transfer, which should not be too expensive. According to “Sport Bild”, Bayer 04 will make use of this opportunity as soon as possible.
According to the magazine, the Leverkusen team want to get back into the championship race with FC Bayern next season and will actively strengthen themselves to do so. From the upcoming international break in mid-November, sports director Simon Rolfes, director of football Kim Falkenberg and coach Kasper Hjulmand will be working on squad planning. According to reports, Alajbegovic will be the first building block. The double winner from 2024 will buy the left-footer back from Salzburg.
The transfer fee is below the 8 million to 10 million euros last estimated in Austria – namely 5 million to 6 million euros. A year later, in the summer of 2027, this amount would decrease again. Alajbegovic’s good development in Salzburg has not gone unnoticed by those responsible at the Werkself, which is why he can be expected to return in 2026. The youngster also made his way onto the scouting list of major English players such as Manchester United. But first his path leads back to Bayer. If there is no immediate breakthrough, it is said that a loan within the Bundesliga or to another top league could result.
Alajbegovic has six goals and one assist in 21 games across all competitions this season. In September, the Cologne native, who has already played four times for the Bosnian national team, was given the first market value of his career: 5 million euros – and the trend is rising with continued development.
“At just 18 years old, Kerim has already been able to show a lot of his qualities in his short time with us and also feels very comfortable in Salzburg. So he still has a lot ahead of him and we are convinced that his path can still take him very far,” said Salzburg’s ex-sports director Rouven Schröder, who has now moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach, in the wake of Alajbegovic’s extension. Bayer boss Rolfes, in turn, said in the summer: “Kerim Alajbegovic will now take the next important steps in his professional career in Austria. We have a lot of confidence in him and will follow his career closely.”
Baye Leverkusen: The next construction sites in squad planning
Leverkusen is also looking for alternatives for the defensive wing positions in order to create competition for the veterans Alejandro Grimaldo (30) and Lucas Vázquez (34). In addition, the gap should be closed after the departure of driver Granit Xhaka (33) to AFC Sunderland. The dominant leadership role is currently not filled – which makes this construction site the biggest priority. To all the rumors about new arrivals.