Official: Juventus sign teenage forward Alajbegović from Bayer Leverkusen

Juventus have completed the signing of Kerim Alajbegović, bringing one of European football's most coveted teenagers to Turin from Bayer Leverkusen.

According to the club's official announcement, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract, until 2031.

Advertisement

Neither side has disclosed the fee, though reports across Germany and Italy put the guaranteed cost above €30m, with add-ons capable of taking the total towards €40m.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Kerim Alajbegovic #19 of Bosnia and Herzegovina in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Alajbegović chose Juventus ahead of Chelsea

The Bianconeri saw off strong competition for the teenager, with Chelsea, Napoli and Atalanta all reported to have been in the running.

Advertisement

Chelsea pushed hardest, former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is said to have made a personal pitch, but the Premier League club's inability to promise regular football, particularly after their signing of Morgan Rogers, worked against them. The decisive factor, per reports, was the guarantee of a first-team role in Turin.

Born in Germany and a Bosnia and Herzegovina international, Alajbegović is a product of Leverkusen's academy. He left for RB Salzburg last summer, but a rapid rise prompted Bayer to trigger a buy-back clause and return him this summer, only for Juventus to move within weeks.

He leaves Leverkusen without a competitive senior appearance for the German side, capping a remarkable piece of business for Bayer.

Click here to read article