Chelsea are reported to be set to miss out on signing Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, after Juventus have agreed a transfer deal with Leverkusen. According to German reporting cited by multiple outlets, Juventus have reached an initial agreement worth €33 million (about £28.2m), which could rise to €40 million (about £34.2m) once add-ons are included. Chelsea had been in discussions to secure the player and were considered to be in a strong position earlier in the window. Reports also say the move had the backing of Leverkusen boss-turned-Bayer? (Xabi Alonso), with Chelsea’s interest linked to his role in the player’s development during the time Alajbegovic spent in Leverkusen’s youth system.
The 18-year-old has not yet made a senior appearance for Leverkusen. Last season he played for Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists. Leverkusen previously activated an €8 million buyback clause in March after Salzburg signed him for €2 million. Internationally, Alajbegovic started matches at the World Cup for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who finished third in Group B and were eliminated by the United States in the round of 32.
