Overview
- Bayer Leverkusen announced Friday it had activated a buyback clause for RB Salzburg’s Kerim Alajbegovic and agreed a five-year contract running to 2031, with the teenager set to return in summer 2026.
- Reports differ on the fee, with BILD citing €6 million and Transfermarkt and kreiszeitung reporting €8 million, both well under Transfermarkt’s €15 million valuation.
- Salzburg stands to book a quick gain after signing him from Leverkusen’s academy for about €2 million last summer before the clause was exercised.
- The 18-year-old posted 11 goals and 3 assists in 36 Salzburg matches this season and converted the decisive penalty against Wales to send Bosnia to a World Cup play-off final against Italy.
- Sporting director Simon Rolfes said Alajbegovic exceeded expectations and would have an important role, while BILD reports Roma and Lazio interest up to €25 million was turned down to keep the plan on track.