{"id":19932,"date":"2026-07-22T06:52:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T06:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19932"},"modified":"2026-07-22T06:52:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T06:52:18","slug":"chelsea-join-race-for-world-cup-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19932","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea join race for World Cup star"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-main\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-header--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-excerpt left\"><\/p>\n<p>Chelsea identify Kerim Alajbegovic as surprise summer transfer target.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"post-feat-img\" class=\"left relative\" itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image ewww_webp_lazy_load\" alt=\"Chelsea FC\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg.webp\" srcset-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-600x338.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-768x432.jpg.webp 768w\"\/><img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Chelsea FC\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chelsea-FC-130.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1200\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"675\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--post-feat-img--><\/p>\n<section class=\"social-sharing-top\">\n<p><span class=\"fb-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-facebook-f\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"window.open('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Kerim Alajbegovic: Chelsea join race for World Cup star -&amp;url=https:\/\/sixsports.in\/kerim-alajbegovic-chelsea-join-race-for-world-cup-star\/', 'twitterShare', 'width=626,height=436'); return false;\" title=\"Share This Post\"><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"twitter-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"whatsapp-but1\"><i class=\"fa fa-whatsapp fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"pinterest-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-pinterest-p\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"email-but\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Email<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><!--social-sharing-top--><\/p>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-card\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-top\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-logo\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"CHELSEA\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/chelsea_fc_logo-1.avif\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/chelsea_fc_logo-1.avif\" alt=\"CHELSEA\"\/>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-description\">\n<p>            Full name: Chelsea Football Club Nickname: The Blues Founded: 10 March 1905 Ground: Stamford Bridge Owner: BlueCo Chairman: Todd Boehly Manager: Xabi Alonso League: Premier League Season 2025-26: 10th position Website: chelseafc.com Chelsea Football Club is one of the most\u2026            <a class=\"sx-entity-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/team\/chelsea\/\"><br \/>\n                Read More about CHELSEA\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea are said to be eyeing Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kerim Alajbegovic as a Garnacho replacement. The Bosnian\u2019s record-breaking World Cup run has fueled the latest Chelsea transfer news this summer.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-xabi-alonso-pushing-for-a-chelsea-transfer-coup\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Xabi Alonso pushing for a Chelsea transfer coup<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As reported by The Sun, Chelsea see him as a long-term plan after a poor debut season from Alejandro Garnacho. Xabi Alonso worked with the player during his time at Leverkusen and is said to have pushed hard for the club to sign him this summer. <strong>Garnacho even missed his first day<\/strong> under the new coach, which only fed talk about his Chelsea future. The teenager is well rated in Europe after rising through Leverkusen\u2019s youth ranks of late. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jamie Gittens has also had a slow start this term, leaving Chelsea short of choices on the left wing. As reported by Faktor, Alonso has long liked his pace and skill. He trained with the first team and made a few matchday squads, though he never got his first-team debut. Chelsea have been busy this summer too, having sealed a big money deal for Aston Villa\u2019s Morgan Rogers. Atalanta and many Serie A clubs are also chasing the same deal this summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alajbegovic\u2019s stats in the 2025-26 season,\u00a0as per\u00a0FOTMOB:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Competitions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Matches<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Assists<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Tackles<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>Interceptions<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Bundesliga<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>28<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>35<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Europa League<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-record-breaking-world-cup-form-turns-heads\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Record-breaking World Cup form turns heads<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kerim Alajbegovic went back to Leverkusen in March after a buyback clause was triggered, and he quickly showed his worth. As per FOTMOB, he scored nine goals and added three assists in 28 Bundesliga games last season for the German side. In the Europa League, he also scored twice in seven games for Leverkusen last season. His form has already pushed his value past its \u00a318 million mark, per Transfermarkt data. His run for Bosnia at the World Cup has made him one of <strong>football\u2019s<\/strong> top young stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He scored against Qatar at 18 years and 276 days old, which set a new World Cup record. The goal also earned him the match\u2019s Man of the Match award for Bosnia. He also moved above Kylian Mbappe, who had scored from range at 19 years and 207 days at the 2018 event. Only seven players in World Cup history have scored at a younger age than him in North America.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Chelsea\" class=\"wp-image-202904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105-768x432.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105.webp\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105.webp\" alt=\"Chelsea\" class=\"wp-image-202904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-105-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-kerim-alajbegovic-could-fit-the-premier-league\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Kerim Alajbegovic could fit the Premier League<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-how-alajbegovic-could-fit-the-premier-league\">He plays well on the wing or through the middle, which suits Chelsea\u2019s need for more attacking options. In tactical view, his pace and direct running could suit the fast, physical side of the <strong>Premier League<\/strong>. Bayer Leverkusen are said to want around \u20ac30 million, a fee Chelsea may still see as fair. Atalanta are also keen, but Chelsea\u2019s project under Alonso may prove the better fit for the young man.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-how-alajbegovic-could-fit-the-premier-league\">This deal would mark <strong>Chelsea&#8217;s<\/strong> second win over a rival club so far this summer. They already beat Atalanta to sign the young Italian defender Marco Palestra earlier this summer. That deal alone was worth around \u00a347 million on a six year contract. If Chelsea seal a similar deal for him, Alonso\u2019s side will have added real young talent up front. Chelsea had a tough season last year and want to push back toward the top of the table. New faces like this could help the club climb back up there quickly next season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-how-alajbegovic-could-fit-the-premier-league\"><strong><em>Also Read: Enzo Fernandez to Arsenal? Real Madrid decision changes race<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Read More: Danilo Santos race takes fresh twist as Chelsea make contact<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Also Read: Alejandro Garnacho nears transfer as Man Utd set for payday<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"after-article-links\" style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:14px;\">Follow the latest updates from <strong>Premier League<\/strong>, <strong>The League<\/strong> and<br \/>\n        <strong>Champions League<\/strong>or explore more<br \/>\n        <strong>Football<\/strong> stories, <strong>Football Teams<\/strong> &#038; <strong>All Football Competitions<\/strong> . Follow more updates on CHELSEA. You can also check <strong>Latest Sports News<\/strong> or visit <strong>Six Sports<\/strong> for more Football updates.<\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-box\">\n<div class=\"fe-author-avatar\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/138c1da500ea6195cad6811e69c8d1840fbf0fbbfbeb757b9a66fba179d7ac31?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/138c1da500ea6195cad6811e69c8d1840fbf0fbbfbeb757b9a66fba179d7ac31?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/138c1da500ea6195cad6811e69c8d1840fbf0fbbfbeb757b9a66fba179d7ac31?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/138c1da500ea6195cad6811e69c8d1840fbf0fbbfbeb757b9a66fba179d7ac31?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\"\/>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-content\">\n<h2 class=\"fe-author-name\">\n<p>                Deepanjali Bhardwaj<br \/>\n        <\/h2>\n<p class=\"fe-author-bio\">\n<p>                Deepanjali Bhardwaj is the Sports Editor at Six Sports, where she leads editorial coverage across cricket, football, and other major sporting events. She oversees newsroom operations, editorial planning, story development, and publishing standards while ensuring every article meets Six Sports&#8217; commitment to accuracy, transparency, and responsible journalism.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nShe works closely with writers, editors, and contributors to deliver timely news, match reports, analysis, features, and explainers covering domestic and international competitions. Her editorial approach focuses on factual reporting, clear analysis, and reader-first journalism, helping audiences stay informed about the latest developments across the sporting world.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nAs Sports Editor, Deepanjali plays a key role in maintaining the publication&#8217;s editorial quality, consistency, and independence while guiding coverage of major leagues, tournaments, teams, and athletes.            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mvp-org-wrap\" itemprop=\"publisher\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Organization\">\n<div class=\"mvp-org-logo\" itemprop=\"logo\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png.webp\" class=\"ewww_webp_lazy_load\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-logo--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Six Sports\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-wrap--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--posts-nav-link--><\/p>\n<div class=\"mentioned-article-block\">\n<h3 class=\"mentioned-title\">Mentioned in this Article<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-button--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chelsea identify Kerim Alajbegovic as surprise summer transfer target. 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