Man United target Kerim Alajbegovic because of AFCON gap
MU is following Kerim Alajbegovic (18 years old, RB Salzburg) for the winter transfer period, making up for the AFCON period from December 22; competing with Chelsea, Porto and tying Leverkusen.
Manchester United are accelerating their pursuit of Kerim Alajbegovic ahead of AFCON, aiming to add firepower to their wing squad in the winter transfer window. According to Sky Germany journalist Ben Heckner, the Red Devils have been closely monitoring the 18-year-old RB Salzburg player as an urgent option for the end of the year.
Reasons for early move: pressure from AFCON and goal lessons
AFCON kicks off on December 22, forcing European clubs to be proactive in their personnel. For Man United, avoiding a repeat of last season’s goal-scoring slump is seen as a priority. According to sources, the INEOS board and coach Ruben Amorim aim to add a versatile attacking player to ensure squad depth during the busy period.
Kerim Alajbegovic profile: Balkan talent bursts onto the scene in Salzburg
Alajbegovic has been in explosive form for RB Salzburg, with six goals and one assist this season. The Bosnian winger is also a Bosnia and Herzegovina international and the youngest goalscorer in the country's history — a milestone that reflects his potential to develop quickly at the senior level.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Year old | 18 |
| Club | RB Salzburg |
| Tournament | Austrian Bundesliga |
| This season's achievements | 6 goals, 1 assist |
| National Team | Bosnia and Herzegovina (youngest goalscorer in team history) |
The recruiting link: the Red Bull system advantage
United’s interest is said to be influenced by Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell — who has a deep understanding of the Red Bull ecosystem — and this has helped United shorten the risk curve when assessing a young asset from Salzburg, a place known for nurturing promising wingers.
Competition and constraints: Chelsea, Porto and buy-back clauses
The deal is not a one-way street. Chelsea and FC Porto are said to be closely following Alajbegovic, putting pressure on both the progress and the fee. In addition, Bayer Leverkusen — the player's former club — also holds a buy-back clause, which could complicate the negotiations.
Professional impact if joining Old Trafford
From a practical need to a long-term vision, Alajbegovic meets two criteria: immediately adding a winger in the right position for MU and fitting into INEOS’s youth talent hunting strategy. In the short term, it is a cover for the AFCON stage; in the long term, it is an investment in a proven profile at club and national team level at the age of 18.
Selected statistics
- 6 goals, 1 assist for RB Salzburg this season.
- 18 years old, Bosnia and Herzegovina player.
- Youngest goalscorer in the history of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
- AFCON kicks off on December 22 — a milestone that will shape MU's winter shopping strategy.
Strategic perspective: winter is the decisive time
With the timeframe compressed by AFCON, the winter window has become a test of decision-making speed. According to Sky Germany, Man United are ready to act decisively. The key is also to “get ahead” in the competition and to remove the contract constraints related to Leverkusen.
Conclusion: Alajbegovic is a timely solution with long-term development potential. If MU completes the deal, this will be the piece that helps them avoid repeating the firepower gaps at AFCON, while also strengthening the youth talent fund according to INEOS's direction.
