Bayer Leverkusen sign Bosnia-Herzegovina international Kerim Alajbegović on buy-back clause from Red Bull Salzburg

27.03.2026

18-year-old attacker Kerim Alajbegović is heading back to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer on a buy-back clause after a season at Red Bull Salzburg, a move he hopes to complete after appearing at the World Cup.

Alajbegović came on as a second-half substitute and assisted Schalke striker Edin Džeko for a crucial late equaliser in Bosnia's FIFA World Cup qualification play-off in Wales, before scoring the vital last penalty in a 4-2 shootout win to set up a decisive clash against Italy on Tuesday.

Whether he gets a chance to play in the World Cup or not, the young attacker will line up for Bayer Leverkusen next season after the Bundesliga outfit confirmed on Friday they are to activate a buy-back clause from July - with the player signing a five-year contract.

The club's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, saidthe player who developed in their youth ranks "has not only fulfilled the high expectations placed in him in Salzburg, he has even exceeded them in a very short space of time. We are sure Kerim can also play an important role at Leverkusen in the coming years."

The Cologne-born talent scored 20 goals in 43 appearances for Leverkusen U17 before striking 11 in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Austrian side this season.

Alajbegović featured in UEFA Champions League qualifying and the Europa League for Salzburg this season. - IMAGO/Fotostand / Wassmuth

Alajbegović said: "For me, it's a step up to another level. I know the club, and Leverkusen have the highest standards. They are a top 16 club in Europe that always competes at the top of the Bundesliga. Many young players have already made it here. I also have that goal."