Bayer 04 Leverkusen is facing a stunning transfer turnaround that could reshape the club’s summer. Despite strong interest from Serie A clubs, Kerim Alajbegovic may stay - and manager Carles Martínez holds the key.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 6th in Bundesliga, 59 pts, 17W-8D-9L from 34 games, recent form DLWWL.
What happened?
Kerim Alajbegovic, who returned from RB Salzburg only to be linked with a move abroad, now faces a surprising stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Multiple top Italian clubs pursued the World Cup breakout star, but insiders say the deal is now in doubt. Martínez has made it clear he wants Alajbegovic in his squad, citing the 24-year-old’s importance to the team’s attacking system.
The club is also dealing with fresh injury woes. Eliesse Ben Seghir, a key offensive player, is sidelined again after a recurring issue that also flared up last season. His absence adds pressure on Martínez to keep Alajbegovic and shore up the attack.
Why Alajbegovic might stay
Martínez has repeatedly stressed how vital Alajbegovic is to his plans. The forward fits the manager’s style of quick wingers and versatile attackers. Keeping Alajbegovic could also plug the gap left by Alejandro Grimaldo’s move to Atlético Madrid.
Yet the picture is messy. Leverkusen is planning several departures up front. Alongside Alajbegovic, names like Simon Rolfes, Jonas Hofmann, Martin Terrier and Ernest Poku are on the move list. Rolfes, the sporting director, has already flagged squad changes and wants to rebuild. The release clauses are steep, but Martínez’ stance could override them all.
Who else is on the move?
Leverkusen remains busy in the transfer window. The club is eyeing Arthur Theate to bolster the backline. Martínez is also hunting a new defensive leader, and Konstantinos Mavropanos is in the frame. The former VfB Stuttgart defender could anchor the defense and shape the search for full-backs.
Up front, Christian Kofane is drawing Premier League interest. Newcastle United and Arsenal are watching, but Bayer boss Simon Rolfes insists he’ll keep the striker - unless a bid north of €100 million arrives. Kofane could even challenge Nick Woltemade, who scored 12 goals last season.
What’s next?
The next few weeks will define Leverkusen’s summer. Martínez must hold the squad together while key players could leave. The club can offset losses with smart deals, as release clauses for Grimaldo (Atlético Madrid) and potential exits like Hofmann or Terrier could fill the coffers.
Yet the biggest challenge is on the pitch. Trailing Bayern München by 30 points and winless in its last four games (0W-2D-2L), Leverkusen needs points fast. The last match ended 1-1 at home to Hamburger SV on 16 May 2026. The club can’t afford more stumbles if it wants to compete next season.
The transfer plan has become a make-or-break moment. Will Alajbegovic stay? Will new faces arrive? Or is another squad overhaul coming? The answers will come in the coming weeks - and Martínez has the final say.
