Chelsea among Premier League clubs tracking Leverkusen-bound star Alajbegovic
Chelsea, Manchester United, and several other Premier League clubs have made initial contact regarding a potential summer move for Bayer Leverkusen's teenage prospect Kerim Alajbegovic, according to reports from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 18-year-old winger, currently on loan at RB Salzburg, is set to be recalled by the Bundesliga club this summer, but a subsequent transfer valued above €30 million is reportedly already being explored by his English suitors.
Bosnian outlet Reprezentacija claims that Chelsea and Manchester United are leading the interest and are keen to secure a deal for the youngster as soon as possible. The report also names Aston Villa and Manchester City as clubs attempting to make their case to the player's representatives. Leverkusen's decision to trigger a buy-back clause from Salzburg, where Alajbegovic has scored 11 goals this season, indicates their high regard for him, but the substantial financial offer from England could tempt the German side into a quick sale.
The Cologne-born attacker has emerged as one of the breakout talents of the season, earning eight senior caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He cemented his growing reputation as a clutch performer during the recent international break, assisting a goal against Wales and calmly scoring in two penalty shootouts to help his nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America. This combination of club form and international heroics has accelerated interest from Europe's elite.
For Chelsea, a move aligns with their continued strategy of investing in high-potential young players, though the pathway to immediate first-team football at Stamford Bridge is notoriously competitive. Similarly, any move to Manchester United would see Alajbegovic join a squad undergoing a rebuild under new ownership. The significant fee being discussed suggests a club would be making a substantial investment in his future, rather than acquiring a squad player.
The situation presents a dilemma for Alajbegovic's development. While a lucrative move to the Premier League is financially appealing, remaining in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen for a season or two could offer more consistent playing time at a high level, which many scouts believe is crucial for a player of his age. His current contract situation and Leverkusen's plans will become clearer once his loan at Salzburg concludes at the end of the Austrian season.
This reported interest underscores the increasingly global and rapid scouting networks of top English clubs, who are now tracking talents before they even re-establish themselves at major European leagues. The coming months will determine whether Alajbegovic's next step is a marquee transfer to England or a planned progression within the Bundesliga, with Leverkusen now holding a valuable asset.
