Chelsea in pole position to sign Kerim Alajbegovic | OneFootball

Chelsea have emerged as firm favourites to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic.

The Blues are in pole position to land the 18-year-old winger following his breakout performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Alajbegovic’s stock soared during the tournament after he scored a spectacular long-range goal in Bosnia’s 3–1 group-stage win over Qatar.

At 18 years and 276 days, he became the youngest player to score from outside the penalty area at a World Cup since Kylian Mbappe in 2018. That historic strike earned him Man of the Match honours and put Europe’s top clubs on high alert.

Chelsea have identified Alajbegovic as a prime target who fits their long-term strategy of acquiring elite, high-potential domestic and international talent.

While Serie A side Atalanta initially led the race ahead of Leeds United, Chelsea’s financial strength and readiness to meet Leverkusen’s asking price have shifted momentum decisively towards Stamford Bridge.

Bayer Leverkusen are open to selling the teenage attacker after recalling him from a stellar spell at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in a prolific 2025/26 campaign. Die Werkself are holding out for a fee of around £30 million.

With personal terms unlikely to be an obstacle, Chelsea are pushing to wrap up negotiations behind the scenes. Should a deal be completed, Alajbegovic would become the latest high-profile young international to join Chelsea’s ambitious project.