BILD: Xabi Alonso poaches 18-year-old talent Alajbegović from Leverkusen for Chelsea, fee around €40m

Published Jul 24, 08:56 AM UTC

BILD Sport reports that Bayer Leverkusen's 18-year-old attacking midfielder Kerim Alajbegović is set to transfer to Chelsea for approximately 40 million euros (35 million fixed plus add-ons). The move is driven by new Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso, who previously coached Alajbegović at Leverkusen and has personally contacted the club to reinforce his interest. Alajbegović, a Bosnian international who played at the 2026 World Cup, was brought back by Leverkusen this summer after a loan at RB Salzburg. His contract was extended until 2031 without a release clause. Other clubs including Lazio, Roma, Napoli, and Atalanta made offers but remained below Leverkusen's valuation. The transfer is expected to be completed this weekend, with Alajbegović scheduled to join Leverkusen training on Monday.

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