Now that Roma has thrown its full weight behind Gian Piero Gasperini, showing former Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri the door and preparing to replace Sporting Director Frederic Massara, the club is fully committed to Gasperini’s vision. While transfer season hasn’t descended upon us yet—not that it ever really takes a break—Roma’s first genuine target of the Gasperini-or-bust era has emerged: Kerim Alajbegović.
Alajbegović, an 18-year-old left-winger with Bosnian and German roots, has hit the ground running in his professional debut. After tearing up the Bundesliga youth circuit with Bayer Leverkusen, Alajbegović made the switch to the Austrian Bundesliga this season, scoring eight goals and adding three assists in about 1,800 minutes for Red Bull Salzburg.
While he is scheduled to return to Leverkusen next season, a glut of young wingers moving up the ranks may make Alajbegović expendable. To that end, the Corriere dello Sport reports that Roma is making headway with Alajbegović and his dad/agent on a deal worth €25-€30 million. After a positive meeting last month in Rome, facilitated by none other than former Giallorossi midfielder Miralem Pjanic, the club has reportedly agreed to terms with Alajbegović.
As is often the case in these situations, these headlines can be misleading. Alajbegović’s will notwithstanding, Roma still has to meet Leverkusen’s demands; a lengthy process under normal circumstances, let alone for a club undergoing front-office upheaval like Roma.
Still, take a look at this kid’s highlights and tell me he wouldn’t be Gasp’s star pupil…stay tuned!