Kerim Alajbegovic is a target for clubs in England and Italy and Aston Villa are in the picture for his signature.
Two weeks ago, Sport Witness covered Sunderland’s interest in the attacker. They were competing with AS Roma to secure his services, with the Giallorossi having made a formal approach to sign him.
The 18-year-old quickly proved he is worth the effort. He scored a spectacular goal for Bosnia against Qatar two days ago. This helped his national team secure a third-placed finish in the group and they could yet go through to the Round of 32.
Bayer Leverkusen have a real talent on their hands. They have re-signed him from Salzburg but he is very unlikely to stay beyond this season.
Competition from Atalanta
Corriere della Sera report Alajbegovic has become the eighth-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. They make it clear that his 1v1 ability is one reason why Atalanta are well in the race to sign the teenager.
The Bergamo club want to launch a new project under sporting director Cristiano Guintoli. The Italian sees Alajbegovic as a signing that is very much in line with that objective.
Aston Villa are also keen and are trying to execute a move. Newcastle United are also in the race.
For now, Leverkusen value the teenager at €25m, but this could grow due to the World Cup.
World Cup is crucial
Bosnia could yet go further in the World Cup and this will also impact the youngster’s situation. Should they qualify and Alajbegovic continues to impress then the situation will be very different.
That would impact competition, and obviously price.
