Newcastle United are being linked with a number of talented young players, including Red Bull Salzburg’s Kerim Alajbegovic.
The January transfer window is looming, and Newcastle United may look to land additions for the future.
Newcastle are keen on signing Kees Smit, though there is major interest in the AZ wonderkid.
Club Brugge talent Aleksandar Stankovic is also on Newcastle’s radar, so the Magpies appear to be looking towards the future.
On The Minute now claim that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Red Bull Salzburg talent Kerim Alajbegovic.
A host of other clubs are interested in signing Alajbegovic, with the 18-year-old on the radar of many Premier League clubs.
Who is Newcastle United target Kerim Alajbegovic?
Alajbegovic hails from Cologne and started his career in the youth ranks of hometown club FC Koln.
Bayer Leverkusen pounced to sign Alajbegovic as a teenager, mirroring Florian Wirtz’s move.
Alajbegovic never made his first-team debut for Leverkusen, and he moved on to join Red Bull Salzburg over the summer.
The move to Austria has worked perfectly for Alajbegovic, as he has already racked up six goals in just 21 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg.
Leverkusen retain a buy-back clause on Alajbegovic, meaning Newcastle will face a battle for his signature.
The 18-year-old has played on the left and right flanks in Austria, while he has also played as a number 10 earlier in his career.
Alajbegovic has chosen to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international stage and earned his first cap in September.
Kerim Alajbegovic player profile
- Age: 18
- Date of birth: 21/09/2007
- Position: Winger
- Club: Red Bull Salzburg
- Former clubs: FC Koln, Bayer Leverkusen
- Nationality: Bosnian
- Contract until: June 2029
What they say about Kerim Alajbegovic
“I’m really impressed by Kerim Alajbegovic. Like I used to, he looks for one-on-one situations and can play the final pass. He’s already a top player who, if he stays fit, will play for some of the biggest clubs,” – Former Bosnia and Herzegovina international Almedin Hota on the official Austrian Bundesliga site.
“Kerim is a highly talented player and played a good game, but we mustn’t make the mistake of praising him too much,” – Red Bull Salzburg boss Thomas Letsch speaking to Der Standard.
Kerim Alajbegovic to Newcastle United analysis
Alajbegovic is certainly an exciting talent, and Newcastle are looking to bring in young prospects with bright futures.
Rory Finneran joined from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, while Antonio Cordero arrived at Newcastle this past summer.
The recruitment of young players will support the signing of first-team stars, and Alajbegovic would fit that mould.
Alajbegovic could become a star, but Leverkusen’s buy-back clause means a deal will be difficult in 2026.
Newcastle would be wise to keep an eye on Alajbegovic’s situation and could still move for him even if Leverkusen strike a deal, but this one looks complicated.
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