Kerim Alajbegovic, born in 2007, is one of the purest talents in Balkan football, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which this summer will play in the World Cup for the second time in its history. The 18-year-old attacking winger played a very important role in the playoffs to qualify for the tournament: he scored the decisive penalty against Wales and delivered a dazzling performance against the Italian defenders when facing the Azzurri. All of this, along with much more shown during the season, has convinced Milan to put him on their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
A talent this young with such great potential is naturally being watched by several clubs. In particular in Italy, as reported by Corriere dello Sport this morning, there are two teams considering making a move and battling each other to sign the Bosnian: Milan and Roma. Both the Rossoneri and the Giallorossi have begun sounding out the player’s entourage to explore a possible deal. At the moment, however, it is difficult to say whether a transfer will go through, also because the situation is evolving and quite complex. Firstly, there is a World Cup in between, which could showcase Alajbegovic and make him a target for many more clubs; secondly, there is the particular contractual situation.
Bayer Leverkusen to sign Alajbegovic back:
This season Alajbegovic is playing for RB Salzburg: he was sold to Austria last summer for €2 million by Bayer Leverkusen, who, given his excellent season, have already announced their intention to exercise the buy-back clause at €8 million. Therefore, from July the Bosnian will once again be a player of the German club, where he developed after beginning his career at Cologne. This puts Leverkusen in a clear position of advantage.
On one hand, sporting director Simon Rolfes has already stated that he wants to develop the player over the coming years; on the other, with so many clubs interested, there is a strong opportunity to make yet another significant capital gain. At present, Alajbegovic’s value has almost doubled to €15 million. However, the end of the season and, above all, the World Cup could change the entire scenario even further.
