Alajbegovic earns Kvaratskhelia comparisons as Serie A race heats up | OneFootball

Several Serie A sides have been linked with a potential summer move for Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Kerim Alajbegovic, who has earned comparisons to former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by outlets in Italy.

Napoli, Milan and Roma among clubs interested for Alajbegovic

18-year-old Alajbegovic is the bright star of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national side that defeated Italy on penalties in the World Cup play-off final last week. Since then, the talented teenager has been linked with moves to several of Europe’s top sides, including to Napoli, Roma and Milan in Serie A.

Alajbegovic was born in Cologne in Germany, but has represented Bosnia at every youth level from U15 up to the senior side, for whom he has already earned eight caps. He has been on RB Salzburg’s books this season, but it has already been confirmed that his former club Bayer Leverkusen will activate their buy-back option this summer.

CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

That doesn’t necessarily rule out another move elsewhere during the summer transfer window, though.

Corriere dello Sport suggests that Milan are trying to fend off interest from Roma in order to strike a deal for Alajbegovic this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, claims that Napoli are keen to strike a deal for the Bosnian youngster, whom they have compared to former Partenopei star Kvaratskhelia for his style of play and potential resale value.

The Pink Paper suggests that Napoli want to wrap up a deal for the 18-year-old as swiftly as possible, fearing that a solid impression at the 2026 World Cup will only attract more suitors from across Europe.