Man Utd Battle Rivals for €30m Star Kerim Alajbegovic

Manchester United has established contact to pursue the signing of 18-year-old Bosnian winger Kerim Alajbegovic from RB Salzburg, with the deal projected to cost in excess of €30 million.

According to reporting from TEAMtalk, and Reprezentacija.ba, the club intends to finalize the transfer as soon as possible. This urgency is attributed to concerns that the player’s valuation could increase significantly following his recent performances on the international stage.

Alajbegovic has made a significant impact during the current campaign, scoring 11 goals for the Austrian side RB Salzburg. His form has extended to the Bosnian national team, where he scored the decisive penalty in a World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Following that victory, Bosnia defeated Italy to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. The teenager’s versatility as a two-footed winger has made him a primary target for several top European clubs.

Transfer Competition and Complexities

Manchester United faces stiff competition for the winger’s signature. Reports indicate that three other Premier League rivals are interested, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Manchester City. Outside of England, AS Roma and AC Milan have also been linked to the RB Salzburg star.

The transfer process is complicated by the player’s history with Bayer Leverkusen. In March 2026, the Bundesliga club announced that it had activated a buy-back option to bring Alajbegovic back to Germany at the end of the season.

Alajbegovic originally joined RB Salzburg from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of €2 million. The potential €30 million-plus price tag would represent a substantial profit for the Austrian club.

Manchester United Squad Restructuring

The pursuit of Alajbegovic is part of a broader effort to reshape the Manchester United squad. The club is currently prioritizing younger players with long-term potential and higher resale value over expensive, experienced signings.

The Red Devils are expected to focus heavily on the midfield this summer. With Casemiro departing via free agency and Manuel Ugarte likely to be sold, the club intends to sign at least two new midfielders.

In addition to the winger and midfield targets, Manchester United is seeking a new left-back to accommodate a denser fixture list and a return to European football.

Additional Attacking Targets

While Alajbegovic is a key target, Manchester United is monitoring other attacking options to strengthen their forward line. The club has joined Liverpool in scouting 22-year-old Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche.

Both North West clubs dispatched scouts to watch Akliouche during Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Marseille on Sunday, April 6, 2026. Akliouche is viewed as a creative and versatile option for the summer window.

Other players under consideration at Old Trafford include:

• Iliman Ndiaye from Everton
• Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig