Bayer Leverkusen cashes in on Alajbegovic despite zero minutes
Without a single professional minute (Ohne Profiminute) for Bayer Leverkusen, the Bosnian youngster’s departure still delivers a hefty financial windfall (Teurer Alajbegovic‑Wechsel). The contrast between his on‑field inactivity and the size of the deal frames the story.
After returning to Bayer Leverkusen via a buy‑back option, Kerim Alajbegovic left the club again, never having made a first‑team appearance. The 18‑year‑old’s contract included a clause that allowed the club to bring him back, but the competition for places meant he stayed on the sidelines.
Alajbegovic, a Bosnian talent, first joined RB Salzburg in the summer for €2 million. Bayer exercised the option and repurchased him for €8 million, hoping his progress would translate into Bundesliga minutes that never materialised.
The move to Juventus Turin (Juventus) was confirmed on Sunday afternoon (Sonntagnachmittag) by the club’s nickname “the Old Lady” (Dame). The offensive talent (Offensivtalent) will lace up football boots (Fußballschuhe) for the Italian side and has signed a contract running to 2031.
Media reports (Medienberichten) indicate Bayer Leverkusen will receive at least €33 million, with a further €7 million possible through bonus payments (Bonuszahlungen). The influx of cash has been described as a “money rain” (Geldregen) for the Werkself.
Simon Rolfes explained that the intense competition for Alajbegovic’s preferred positions made a realistic assessment necessary, and the sporting director praised the youth centre, saying a player moving to Juventus underscores its quality. Both comments highlight the club’s view of the transfer as a package deal.
Juventus outbid strong interest from Atalanta Bergamo, AS Roma, former Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, and even an official offer from Chelsea. Ultimately, the Italian giants secured the signing, leaving Bayer with a substantial profit.
The juxtaposition , despite never stepping onto the pitch for Bayer’s senior side, Alajbegovic’s market value generated a significant return, underscoring the club’s strategy of developing and monetising youth talent.