KERIM ALAJBEGOVIC has been rewarded with a stunning move to Bayer Leverkusen less than 24 hours after brutally ending Wales’ World Cup qualification hopes.
The winger, 18, struck the winning spot-kick as Bosnia and Herzegovina sealed a penalty shootout win in their play-off semi-final against Craig Bellamy’s side.
And Alajbegovic will seal a switch to Leverkusen from Red Bull Salzburg when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
The Bundesliga side have activated a buyback clause, understood to be worth close to £7million, for the teenage sensation.
A club statement released by Salzburg read: “Bayer Leverkusen have exercised their contractual buyback option for Kerim Alajbegovic.
“The Bosnian international will therefore return to the Werkself next summer.
“Kerim joined us from Leverkusen’s Under-19s team in July 2025 and quickly developed into a key player.
“The two-footed attacking midfielder not only delivered in the Admiral Bundesliga, but also performed well on the European stage in Uefa Champions League qualifiers and the Uefa Europa League.
“So far, the 18-year-old has 14 goal involvements – 11 goals and three assists – in 36 appearances for our Red Bulls.
“Kerim will remain one of our lads until the end of the season, and we look forward to getting the most out of the remaining season together!”
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Leverkusen were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal earlier this month.
And the German giants have fallen 24 points adrift of table-topping Bayern Munich just two years after their stunning Bundesliga title win.
But Leverkusen chief Kasper Hjulmand has been keeping a close eye on Alajbegovic as preparations are made for next season.
And the talented youngster has moved to within touching distance of jetting off to the World Cup.
Alajbegovic and his Bosnia team-mates will face Italy, who beat Northern Ireland last night, in the play-off final as they look to book a last-gasp ticket to the tournament.
