By OkayGoal 
Chelsea are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, according to reports in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Bosnian outlet Faktor claims the 18-year-old has been identified as a target by Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. The report adds that Atalanta had been exploring a deal for Alajbegovic, but negotiations have been placed on hold following interest from the Blues.
Chelsea have not made an official offer and neither club has commented publicly on the reports.
Who is Kerim Alajbegovic?
Alajbegovic was born in Cologne and spent time with the academies of FC Köln and Bayer Leverkusen. He left Leverkusen to join Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025, having yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the German club. The move allowed him to gain regular first-team experience, with the winger registering 13 goals in 44 appearances during his season in Austria.
Leverkusen activated their buy-back option in March and agreed a contract with Alajbegovic until June 2031. The German club’s managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, said at the time that the teenager had exceeded the expectations placed on him during his spell in Salzburg.
Alajbegovic is predominantly used on the left wing but is capable of playing across the attacking positions. He is also comfortable using either foot.
World Cup breakthrough
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international attracted further attention with his performances at the 2026 World Cup.
Alajbegovic scored the opening goal in Bosnia’s 3-1 group-stage victory over Qatar, collecting possession in a crowded area before beating several defenders and finishing from outside the penalty area.
At 18 years and 276 days old, he became the youngest player to score from outside the box in World Cup history.
He was also the eighth-youngest goalscorer in the history of the competition and was named player of the match for his performance.
Chelsea monitoring another young talent
Chelsea’s reported interest would be consistent with the club’s recruitment strategy, which has focused heavily on signing young players with the potential to develop into first-team regulars.
Alajbegovic’s existing connection with Xabi Alonso could also be significant. The Chelsea manager was at Leverkusen while the winger was progressing through the club’s academy.
However, the interest remains at an early stage and there has been no indication that Chelsea have reached an agreement with either the player or Leverkusen. Faktor reports that Alajbegovic is expected to leave the German club this summer, with a decision over his future anticipated soon.