Credit: Breaking Media/Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 3 June 2026 9:10, UK

Kerim Alajbegovic has hit the footballing world by storm at just 18 years old, and that has attracted the interest of Leeds United.

The Whites seem to be in the market for fresh forwards to add to their attacking set-up and increase their goal output from the last season.

Daniel Farke has often relied on Dominic Calvert-Lewin throughout the season, with Noah Okafor turning up in the back end of the season.

However, the German has also been let down by the players in the fringes of his squad, including the likes of Wilfried Gnonto.

Now, ahead of Leeds’ summer window, the interest in Alajbegovic would mark quite an upgrade on winger Gnonto.

Why Kerim Alajbegovic would be an instant upgrade for Leeds United

Leeds have reportedly met with Alajbegovic’s agents ahead of any potential summer transfer. A deal could prove tough with Bayer Leverkusen activating their £7million buy-back clause they agreed with Red Bull Salzburg.

However, if the Whites can agree on a deal for the Bosnian, they would be landing quite an upgrade on their options already.

Manager Farke has switched in and out of using wingers, and that is why Gnonto has likely found his gametime limited this season. However, Alajbegovic has proven to be more decisive in the final third than the Italian has ever shown.

Gnonto’s highest goal and assist return was in the 2024-2025 season when he secured nine goals and six assists.

However, in the season just gone, the Leverkusen forward has already beaten that total in just his second season in professional football.

Across all competitions, Alajbegovic secured 17 goal contributions – 13 goals and four assists. At 18 years old, he is already proving to be more influential in the final third.

What is the latest on Wilfried Gnonto’s future?

According to the Athletic, Leeds United are “braced for stern interest in the Italian” so it may be an easy sale for the Whites to do.

The LS11 outfit signed Gnonto for just £3.8m back in 2022, so they would likely command a decent profit on the winger.

The arrival of Alajbegovic and the departure of Gnonto would ultimately be an obvious upgrade on the quality of the squad.

If it is a possible and feasible move to pull off, the Whites should not hesitate to complete both deals.