Chelsea Miss Out on €40m Kerim Alajbegovic Deal as Juventus Secure Wonderboy's Signature

Chelsea have lost the race for highly-rated teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, with the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder now heading to Juventus instead. Alajbegovic, 18, was granted permission to hold talks with the Blues, but according to broadcaster Sport Germany, he has reached a full agreement with the Turin giants. Transfer reporter Nicolo Schira claims the Bosnian turned down Chelsea because the Premier League side wanted him to spend a season on loan at affiliate Strasbourg, whereas he wants an immediate first-team role. Juventus struck a deal with Leverkusen worth an initial €33 million, rising to €40m with add-ons and including a sell-on clause. Roma, Napoli and Atalanta also showed interest, but Juventus convinced Alajbegovic he would be a key part of the senior setup. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with only the final paperwork and a medical remaining. Alajbegovic is no stranger to Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso - the youngster came through Leverkusen's academy during Alonso's time in charge there. He left for RB Salzburg last summer for a fee of €2m and impressed in Austria, scoring nine goals and providing three assists. Leverkusen then triggered their buy-back clause this summer for €8m, intending to flip him for profit, which sparked interest from clubs across Europe. Chelsea's proposal included a loan to Strasbourg before joining the first team, but Alajbegovic was not convinced. His stock rose further after he scored for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Qatar in the 2026 World Cup, intensifying the battle for his signature.