​Atalanta has reportedly increased its efforts to sign Kerim Alajbegovic, according to Sky Sport Italia, as the Italian club pushes to win the race before other interested parties can enter formal negotiations with his current team. The Bayer Leverkusen youngster, who will turn 19 this September, enjoyed a breakout season at RB Salzburg, attracting attention from several of Europe’s top clubs.
Alajbegovic’s value has been highlighted by a recent transaction that saw him move from RB Salzburg for a modest €2 million last summer, a deal that included a buy-back option set at just €8 million, activated on July 1. His performances have only amplified his rising stock. In 44 competitive appearances for RB Salzburg, he tallied 13 goals and four assists, making a significant impact for the Austrian club. His eye for goal and dynamic ball progression helped him become a standout performer for Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, with a crucial role in their World Cup play-offs.
The player’s form continued to shine on the world stage, where he started three of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s four matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Seattle. There, he produced a memorable solo strike, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous and versatile attacker. Although primarily deployed on the left wing, Alajbegovic has demonstrated his adaptability by operating effectively on the right flank or as a trequartista behind a central striker, making him an attractive option for managers seeking tactical flexibility.
His performances have drawn interest from a broad range of suitors, with Sky Sport Italia reporting that Atalanta is intensifying talks with Alajbegovic’s representatives to secure his services before engaging in formal negotiations with Leverkusen. The potential move has also attracted attention from within Serie A, where Roma and Milan have both shown interest, underscoring the league’s appetite for fresh, high-potential attacking talent. Napoli has also been linked with the youngster, indicating a wide field of suitors in Italy.
Beyond Italy, several other prominent clubs are monitoring the situation. Newcastle United and Sunderland from the English game have kept tabs on Alajbegovic’s development, while Real Betis in Spain is among the European sides weighing up a possible bid. The breadth of interest reflects his rising reputation as a versatile, instinctive attacker capable of contributing across multiple attacking roles.
In terms of his playing profile, Alajbegovic is valued for his pace, directness, and technical ability. He can terrorize defenses down the left with his dribbling and crossing, and his capability to cut inside to shoot or create for teammates makes him a multifaceted threat. The winger can also operate on the right and has shown the intelligence to drop into a half-space role as a trequartista behind a central striker, giving coaches significant tactical options.
As Atalanta accelerates its pursuit, the club will be keen to present a compelling project that aligns with the player’s development goals and career trajectory. The negotiation dynamics will be shaped by his current contract status, Leverkusen’s valuation, and the level of interest from other suitors, all of which could influence the timing and nature of a potential transfer. For supporters and observers, the race to secure Alajbegovic’s signature promises to be a captivating subplot of the summer transfer window, with a decision that could shape the attacking landscape of Italian football in the coming seasons.