Kerim Alajbegović chooses Juventus despite late Chelsea intervention | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Leverkusen’s Kerim Alajbegovic has officially green-lit his transfer to Juventus, leaving Chelsea empty handed. Leverkusen and Juventus reached a final agreement on Thursday. The player and his representatives have now also accepted the move. There are reports of a late attempt by the Premier League club to Hijack the deal. 

The 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is expected to travel to Turin on Friday or Saturday to undergo his medical examination and sign a contract valid through 2031. Juventus will pay Leverkusen a guaranteed fee exceeding €30 million. Performance-related bonuses could raise the total package to between €35 million and €40 million.

Why Kerim Alajbegovic chose Juventus over Chelsea

Chelsea had previously emerged as the leading candidate for Alajbegović’s signature and subsequently submitted an opening offer containing more than €30 million in guaranteed money.

The London club’s pursuit also featured a personal intervention from former Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso. As previously reported, Alonso spoke directly with Alajbegović and outlined his proposed Chelsea development plan. That pathway could have involved the teenager initially moving elsewhere on loan before eventually competing for a place at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea reportedly returned with an improved proposal at the last moment. Alajbegović nevertheless preferred Juventus because the Italian record champions offered the stronger immediate sporting perspective. The teenager is reportedly expected to work as a regular first-team player in Turin.

His decision therefore represents a rejection not merely of Chelsea’s financial offer, but also of Alonso’s personal pitch and longer-term development plan.

The deal completes an extraordinary piece of transfer business for Leverkusen. Die Werkself allowed the academy product to join RB Salzburg for approximately €2 million in 2025 while retaining a buyback clause.

Leverkusen’s intention to exercise that option became apparent following Alajbegović’s rapid development in Austria. The Bundesliga club ultimately paid €8 million to bring him back.

Alajbegović will now leave Leverkusen without making a competitive senior appearance. Even at the lower end of the reported Juventus package, Bayer stand to secure an enormous return on their brief reinvestment.

GGFN | Peter Weis