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27.03.2026Bayer 04

Return from Salzburg: Bayer 04 sign forward Kerim Alajbegovic

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
Kerim Alajbegovic mit Montrell Culbreath

"Kerim Alajbegovic has not only fulfilled the high expectations placed in him in Salzburg, he has even exceeded them in a very short space of time," said Bayer 04 Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes. "Despite his youth, he was an absolute top performer at RB Salzburg and has also delivered top performances in Europe in the Champions League qualifiers and in the UEFA Europa League matches. We are sure Kerim can also play an important role at Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the coming years." Bayer 04 Director of Football Kim Falkenberg added: "Kerim's talent is great, as are his ambition and his will to win. We believe in him - Kerim has everything he needs to establish himself as a Werkself player in the coming years."

For the two-footed Alajbegovic, returning to the club of his youth is another step forward: "For me, it's a step up to another level. I know the club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have the highest standards. 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," said the Cologne-born 18-year-old, who can play as a left winger or in attacking midfield.

Kerim Alajbegovic profile

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