Story by
€60 Million Windfall: How Bayer Leverkusen Could Reinvest the Alajbegović and Poku Money
- Story by
- €60 Million Windfall: How Bayer Leverkusen Could Reinvest the Alajbegović and Poku Money
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Bayer Leverkusen could soon have significant financial flexibility at their disposal after two potential attacking departures threaten to generate a combined transfer income of more than €60 million.
The biggest deal would involve Kerim Alajbegović, who returned to Bayer training on Monday but is unlikely to remain at the club for long. The 18-year-old is on the verge of leaving Leverkusen after attracting strong interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Advertisement
The decision now appears to be between Chelsea and Juventus Turin .
According to BILD , Bayer is close to reaching an agreement with either club, which would then allow Alajbegović to enter the final stage of negotiations over his personal terms and sporting pathway.
Chelsea currently offers the more financially attractive package for Leverkusen, with the Premier League club prepared to pay around €40 million including bonuses. Juventus have improved their proposal in recent days and are also believed to be offering a package exceeding €35 million.
For Bayer, the potential sale would represent an extraordinary return.
Advertisement
Alajbegović only recently returned from RB Salzburg after Leverkusen activated their buy-back clause following an impressive season in Austria . The Bosnian international had originally left for Salzburg before establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in European football.
Despite returning with the intention of competing for a first-team role under Carles Martínez, the financial opportunity has changed the situation completely.
The sporting project presented by the interested clubs will now be decisive. Chelsea can offer a long-term development pathway under former Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who knows Alajbegović well from his time at Bayer. Juventus, meanwhile, are offering the teenager a more immediate role, with the Italian giants viewing him as a potential creative focal point.
But Alajbegović may not be the only attacking departure.
Advertisement
Leverkusen could also lose Ernest Poku , with Premier League side Sunderland pushing to sign the 22-year-old winger. The reported fee is around €25 million, meaning Bayer could generate more than €60 million from the two deals combined.
That would give sporting director Simon Rolfes significant room to manoeuvre.
The club are already looking to strengthen several areas of the squad following the departure of key players and the transition into Martínez's new tactical era. A major attacking overhaul could become possible if both deals are completed, with Leverkusen expected to reinvest in profiles that fit the new coach's ideas.
The timing of these potential departures is crucial.
Advertisement
Bayer are not looking to simply replace outgoing players one-for-one. The club's recruitment strategy under Carles Martínez will focus on finding profiles that fit the new coach's tactical ideas while maintaining the balance between immediate quality and long-term potential.
The possible income from Alajbegović and Poku would give sporting director Simon Rolfes significant room to manoeuvre in the market. After already investing heavily in young talent, Leverkusen would have the opportunity to strengthen several areas of the squad and continue building the next version of the team.
