Juventus’ €30 Million Investment: Kerim Alajbegović Tipped to Become Indispensable
Juventus have invested €30 million in Kerim Alajbegović, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most promising footballers. Sergej Barbarez, the coach who gave him his senior international debut, believes the youngster has all the qualities required to become a key player for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
The 18-year-old left winger has joined Juventus from Salzburg, having previously come through Bayer Leverkusen’s academy. His move has generated considerable interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the progress of the Cologne-born international is being followed closely.
Miralem Pjanić Accompanied Alajbegović to Turin
During his first few days in Italy, Alajbegović visited Juventus’ Continassa training complex and the Allianz Stadium. The young Bosnian was accompanied by Miralem Pjanić, one of his country’s most prominent footballers of the modern era.
The former Juventus midfielder’s presence was also highly symbolic. Pjanić represented the Turin club between 2016 and 2020, winning several trophies and becoming highly respected by the Bianconeri supporters.
Alajbegović arrived in Turin after completing his first season at senior level with Salzburg. Although he is still at the beginning of his career, the Bosnian international has already gained valuable experience in club and international football.
A Record-Breaker for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Born in Cologne in 2007, Kerim Alajbegović attracted attention from his earliest appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth teams. After representing the Under-21 side, he was quickly promoted to the senior national team by Sergej Barbarez.
Last September, against San Marino, Alajbegović became the youngest footballer to play and score for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s senior national team. His remarkable progress continued at the World Cup, where he found the net against Qatar and became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
Barbarez also brought him on during the second half of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s match against Italy in Zenica. The national team coach believes that his transfer to Juventus is a deserved reward for the youngster’s dedication and development.
"I would like to congratulate Kerim on this important step in his career. Joining a club such as Juventus is a major achievement and deserved recognition for the hard work and dedication he has shown".
The Qualities That Impressed Sergej Barbarez
Barbarez describes Alajbegović as a technically gifted player who is confident in possession and eager to develop. In addition to his footballing ability, the Bosnia and Herzegovina coach has been impressed by the youngster’s mentality and willingness to learn.
"He is one of the most talented young players in our country. He has exceptional technique, great confidence with the ball at his feet and the right mentality to become a champion. What impresses me most is his desire to learn and improve every day".
Alajbegović can play as an advanced midfielder or on the left wing. His ability to fill several forward positions could help him earn playing time during his first season in Serie A.
Barbarez Calls for Patience with Juventus’ New Signing
Moving from Salzburg to Juventus represents a major step for a footballer who is still only 18. Barbarez believes the youngster must be protected from the pressure of producing immediate results and receive the necessary support while adapting to the demands of Italian football.
The national team coach is convinced that Alajbegović’s discipline and consistency in training could eventually turn him into an important member of Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
"Moving to Juventus also brings great responsibility. Kerim is still very young, so patience will be the most important thing. Consistency in training will help him develop gradually until he becomes indispensable to Spalletti".
The Bosnian international will have to manage the expectations created by his transfer fee, the strong competition within the squad and the demands surrounding a club that aims to compete for trophies every season. Barbarez believes Alajbegović has the maturity required to embrace this new stage of his career.
"If he remains humble and focused, as he has always been, I am certain he can succeed at a top European club such as Juventus".
Alajbegović Offers Versatility in Several Forward Positions
One of the qualities particularly admired by Barbarez is Alajbegović’s ability to understand and use space effectively. His mobility allows him to begin on the left side, move into central areas or play behind the centre-forward.
Barbarez does not believe that the absence of a fixed position will create difficulties for Juventus. Alajbegović’s versatility could become an important advantage in Spalletti’s tactical system.
"He understands space extremely well and will have no problems. As the head coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am proud of him. I cannot wait to see him prove himself in one of the most important leagues in the world".
Miralem Pjanić, Bosnia’s Juventus Role Model
The last Bosnian footballer to play a major role for Juventus was Miralem Pjanić. The midfielder won several trophies in Turin and remains highly regarded by the Allianz Stadium faithful, which explains why comparisons between the two players appeared soon after Alajbegović’s transfer was announced.
However, Alajbegović has his own identity as a footballer and is only taking the first steps of his career. Barbarez hopes that Pjanić’s presence during the youngster’s first days in Turin will help him understand more quickly the expectations and atmosphere of a club of Juventus’ stature.
"Miralem was special, an extraordinary footballer. I wish Kerim every success in Turin. I am convinced this is only the beginning of a brilliant career".
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