Chelsea remain focused on signing young talent despite a change in their transfer strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso.
After spending most of their ownership signing youngsters with potential, BlueCo have finally realised the importance of experience. The Blues have reportedly agreed a £52 million deal with Crystal Palace for 26-year-old defender Maxence Lacroix.
The Frenchman is set to become the club's second high-profile signing following the arrival of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British transfer record £117 million. While they will almost certainly be used as starters under Alonso, the recruitment team are still scouring the globe for exciting teenage prospects.
Chelsea Lead Race For Bosnian Starlet Alajbegovic
Kerim Alajbegovic
One of those is Bosnian winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who caught the eye during the World Cup having represented his country at the age of 18. He scored in a 3-1 win over Qatar and has now garnered interest from some of Europe's top clubs.
According to Sam Wallace of The Telegraph, Chelsea are favourites to win the race to sign the highly-rated Alajbegovic. He recently returned to Bayer Leverkusen, who triggered a buyback clause in their deal with Red Bull Salzburg.
Juventus are also keen on the teenage starlet but the west Londoners are thought to be the club most likely to seal his signature. They are aided by the appointment of Alonso who had been in charge at Leverkusen when the player rose through the Bundesliga club's youth system.
Alonso is "enthusiastic" about signing Alajbegovic, who will likely take Alejandro Garnacho's place in his squad. The Argentine winger has joined Aston Villa on loan with a view to a permanent Stamford Bridge exit.
Atalanta and Fiorentina have also been eyeing the versatile attacker, and the German outfit are demanding a fee of £30 million to sell their academy product. They sold the Bosnian to Salzburg last summer for around £1.7m but inserted a buyback clause worth around £3.4m, which they used to bring him back to BayArena.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Alonso Key For Alajbegovic to Succeed
Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager
Alajbegovic is tipped for an extremely bright future and might not be viewed in the same fashion as many young Chelsea signings have in recent years. The Blues have a track record of signing youngsters but sending them out on loan to sister club Strasbourg before, more often than not, selling them.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed his exploits at the World Cup while on FOX Sports, saying it's 'rare' to see a teenage player play with as much maturity on the biggest stage. The iconic Swede applauded his goal against Qatar, and he isn't the only one who is impressed.
Alonso's connection with the Bosnian could be crucial if he does make the move to Stamford Bridge. He's a versatile attacking gem who played on both wings and in attacking midfield last season.
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With 13 goals and four assists in 44 games across competitions, he earned rave reviews in Austria before earning a call-up to Bosnia's squad for the World Cup. He is now in high demand and could become one of Alonso's first signings in a new era for the Blues.