​Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta have stepped forward with a proposal for Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Kerim Alajbegovic, a teenager who has also been linked with moves to Milan and Roma. The latest updates suggest that the 18-year-old winger has given his approval for Bergamo as a potential destination, with Atalanta emerging as serious contenders for his signature. Alajbegovic has drawn interest from several top-flight Italian clubs, including Roma and Milan, and, according to the most recent updates from prominent Italian transfer insider Alfredo Pedullà, Atalanta have joined the race.
Alajbegovic’s rise has been rapid. The youngster starred for RB Salzburg in the 2025-26 season, recording nine goals in 28 appearances. His prolific form earned attention across Europe and prompted Bayer Leverkusen to activate their buy-back clause for the winger, signaling that big clubs see him as a high-potential asset for the future. The German side’s decision to bring him back into their orbit underscores the rising stock of the Bosnian talent and the significant interest from elite clubs in Europe’s top leagues.
Born in Germany, Alajbegovic spent eight formative years in the 1. FC Köln academy before moving to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth setup in 2021. His development in Germany has been closely watched by scouts and clubs looking for the next generation of attacking talents. This background helps explain why several high-profile teams are ready to compete for his signature, believing he could be a game-changing winger with the right environment to flourish.
Leverkusen’s openness to offers this summer means a range of possibilities for Alajbegovic’s next step. Pedullà’s report outlines a potential €20 million base fee plus bonuses from Atalanta, illustrating the financial landscape of the transfer market for a young player with considerable upside. While €20m might not be the final figure, and Leverkusen are unlikely to accept a deal easily, the report emphasizes that Atalanta have made their intentions clear and are prepared to present a compelling package.
Crucially, the latest developments claim that Alajbegovic has already given a verbal green light to Atalanta, aligning with the club’s aim to secure a deal before the window closes. This “yes” from the player and his representatives signals a step forward in negotiations and suggests that a transfer could be on the horizon if terms can be agreed. For Atalanta, the pursuit represents a strategic move to add a young, versatile winger to their attacking options, with the potential to develop under Bergamo’s renowned player development framework.
From a tactical standpoint, Alajbegovic’s attributes align with modern football demands. As an 18-year-old winger, he possesses pace, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal, having demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net in a competitive league at a young age. His experience in RB Salzburg’s system and his exposure to Bundesliga-level competition with Leverkusen’s ecosystem suggest he has the technical foundation and professional mindset to adapt quickly to a new league and culture in Italy.
The transfer landscape around Alajbegovic is dynamic. While Atalanta appear eager to push, other clubs such as Roma and Milan remain keen on acquiring a winger with potential, which could lead to a multi-way battle as clubs weigh options, negotiate terms, and consider long-term strategic fits. The inclusion of bonuses in a potential deal signals a structure designed to reward performance and development, aligning incentives for both the player and his new club.
In the broader context, the Alajbegovic saga illustrates several ongoing trends in European football: the sustained interest in young talents from reputable academies; the ongoing competition among top clubs to secure promising prospects before they break into senior squads; and the role of media insiders in shaping transfer narratives with updates that influence market perception and negotiation dynamics. Italian clubs continue to be active players in the recruitment of young, high-upside players, leveraging scouting networks across Europe to identify and secure talent that can contribute to both immediate needs and long-term growth.
As the situation develops, observers will be watching how Leverkusen respond to such offers, whether Atalanta’s financial proposal meets the player’s expectations and those of his representatives, and how the player’s camp weighs the different potential destinations. The outcome of these discussions could have implications beyond a single transfer, affecting how similar deals are structured and how clubs balance competition for rising stars with the imperative to manage financial risk.
In summary, Kerim Alajbegovic stands at a pivotal juncture in his budding career. With interest from top Italian clubs and a potential agreement in place with Atalanta, the next steps will be critical in determining his future trajectory. If Atalanta’s bid, reported to be around €20 million plus bonuses, aligns with Leverkusen’s assessment of the player’s value and the youngster’s own destination preferences, a move to Bergamo could become a reality, marking another notable addition to Serie A’s growing roster of young talents.