Juventus have finalised the signing of Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kerim Alajbegovic, landing one of the most highly rated young prospects in European football.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is set to move to Turin after a summer transfer tussle that drew interest from a number of clubs around Europe. Juventus eventually came out on top in the race for his signature, with Chelsea also reportedly making a serious attempt to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

Reports state that Juventus will pay Leverkusen a guaranteed transfer fee of more than €30 million, while add-ons could take the total value of the package beyond €35 million. The agreement makes Alajbegovic one of the costliest 18-year-old players in Bundesliga history.

The transfer follows a complicated summer for the youngster. Alajbegovic had only just returned to Leverkusen after the club triggered a reported buy-back clause following his stint at RB Salzburg. Although Bayer planned to bring him into the first-team set-up, the teenager was reportedly persuaded by Juventus' promise of a more prominent role.

The transfer saga had already seen a number of turns. Alajbegovic was first linked with Serie A club Atalanta, but later became the focus of a battle between Juventus and Chelsea before ultimately choosing a move to Italy.

The versatile attacking talent, capable of playing out wide or in an advanced midfield position, caught the eye with his technical quality, creativity and one-on-one ability. He also represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup, which further raised his profile on the international stage.

For Juventus, the signing is another major investment in youth as the Italian giants continue planning for the future. For Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, it represents a substantial financial return on a player who never made a senior competitive appearance for the club.