Kerim Alajbegović ‘to join’ Juventus after late Chelsea push | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Kerim Alajbegović has approved a move to Juventus despite a late Chelsea intervention, with Bayer Leverkusen and the Italian club reaching a final agreement on Thursday. The player and his representatives have also accepted the switch.

The 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is expected to travel to Turin on Friday or Saturday for a medical, then sign a contract to 2031.

Juventus will pay a guaranteed fee of more than €30 million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to €35 million to €40 million.

Chelsea had been in pole position and lodged an opening offer with more than €30 million guaranteed. The London club returned with an improved proposal at the last moment, but Alajbegović preferred Juventus for a stronger immediate sporting pathway and is reportedly set to work as a regular first-team player in Turin.

The pursuit included a personal intervention from former Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, who spoke to Alajbegović and outlined a development plan that could have started with a loan before a shot at Stamford Bridge. The decision therefore rejects both Chelsea’s financial package and Alonso’s longer-term pitch.

For Leverkusen, it caps a striking piece of business. The academy product joined RB Salzburg in 2025 for about €2 million, with a buyback clause, then returned for €8 million. He departs without a competitive senior appearance, yet Bayer stand to make a substantial return even at the lower end of the reported Juventus package.

Source: Get German Football News

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