Bayer Leverkusen are already planning for the future after reaching a verbal agreement to sign 17-year-old striker Aleksa Damjanović from Red Star Belgrade.
The deal, agreed on February 11, 2026 as stated by fabrizo Romano via their x handle , will become official in June 2026.
Bayer Leverkusen agree deal to sign Aleksa Damjanović from Red Star Belgrade, here we go! 17 year old striker will cost €5m initial fee plus add-ons up to €8m package, Red Star will also keep sell-on clause. Verbal agreement valid from June 2026.
Leverkusen will pay an initial €5 million, with add-ons that could take the total package to €8 million. Red Star have also secured a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring they benefit if the teenager moves again in the future.
Damjanović is seen as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe. The Serbian Austrian striker is 1.98m tall, left-footed, and has already made seven senior appearances for Red Star this season.
Softfootball reports that Leverkusen beat competition from RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt to land his signature, underlining how highly rated the youngster is across the Bundesliga.
This move fits into Leverkusen’s wider rebuild under Kasper Hjulmand, who took charge in September 2025 after Erik ten Hag’s short and difficult spell at the club. Hjulmand has been tasked with restoring stability and a more proactive style of play following a turbulent start to the season.
The club have been through a challenging period, highlighted by a painful 7–2 home defeat to PSG in the Champions League back in October 2025 the heaviest home loss ever suffered by a German club in European competition.
Since then, Leverkusen have been reshaping their squad after the departures of key stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Real Madrid.
Bringing in Damjanović is a clear statement of intent: Leverkusen are investing in youth, profile, and potential. While he may not be expected to carry the attack immediately, the club see him as a long-term project a raw but powerful striker who could become a major asset in the years to come.
