Atalanta have lodged a €20m-plus-bonuses offer for Bosnia winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who has reportedly given his OK to a move to Bergamo after Bayer Leverkusen triggered a buy-back following his breakthrough season with RB Salzburg. The approach escalates a summer race for the 18-year-old, putting Atalanta at the front of a competition that includes Milan and Roma.
Atalanta make concrete bid for Kerim Alajbegovic after Leverkusen buy-back
Atalanta have moved decisively for Kerim Alajbegovic, submitting a reported €20m offer with add-ons to secure the 18-year-old Bosnian winger. Leverkusen recently exercised a buy-back clause following Alajbegovic’s strong campaign at RB Salzburg, and Bergamo’s approach signals a willingness to contest Leverkusen’s plans for the player.
Player profile: youth pedigree and rapid ascent
Alajbegovic emerged as a genuine attacking prospect after scoring nine goals in 28 appearances for RB Salzburg in 2025–26. Born in Germany and developed at 1. FC Köln and Bayer Leverkusen’s academies, he combined technical maturity with end-product in Salzburg and also made an impact for Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international stage at the recent World Cup.
Why Atalanta want him
Atalanta’s recruitment model prizes young, tactically flexible attackers who can be integrated into a high-intensity system. Alajbegovic fits that profile: a wide player who can press, deliver in transition and contribute goals. For La Dea, signing an 18-year-old with proven output in Austria and at international level represents both immediate squad depth and a long-term asset.
How the fee stacks up
A baseline of €20m plus bonuses is competitive for a teenager but likely underestimates his upside. Leverkusen’s buy-back suggests they see value in keeping or selling him at a premium. Expect Leverkusen to test the market or seek a higher package, particularly if Milan, Roma or other suitors remain interested.
Implications for Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta and the player
For Leverkusen: holding the registration gives leverage. They can integrate Alajbegovic into a title-challenging squad, use him as a rotation asset, or sell at profit.
For Atalanta: landing him would reinforce their attacking depth and continue their successful model of developing young talents into high-value players.
For Alajbegovic: Bergamo offers regular first-team minutes in Serie A and a clear pathway to showcase his development on a bigger stage.
What to watch next
Watch for negotiations over add-ons, sell-on clauses and potential buy-back guarantees — common tools when top clubs trade in teenage talent. Timing is also key: the transfer window pace and Leverkusen’s squad plans will determine whether Atalanta must increase their offer or pivot elsewhere.
Bottom line
Atalanta’s €20m-plus proposal is a serious opening bid that places them at the center of the summer conversation around Kerim Alajbegovic. The move underscores both clubs’ competing strategies: Leverkusen’s talent management and Atalanta’s hunger for young, ready-made contributors.
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The outcome will reveal which club can better convert scouting conviction into transfer reality.
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