Kerim Alajbegovic continues to be mentioned as a target for AC Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s words might just have fuelled talk further.
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On Thursday, SportMediaset reported that Milan have rekindled their interest in signing Alajbegovic, someone that Igli Tare was pursuing when he was sporting director. There is a lot of competition, but the Rossoneri seem convinced by his qualities.
Today, the same source (via MilanNews) have doubled down on the link. They say a summit took place today at Casa Milan, attended by owner Gerry Cardinale. Also present were CEO Massimo Calvelli plus directors Hendrik Almstadt and Bobby Gardiner. Chief scout Donato Lomonte was there too.
During this meeting – which lasted a good hour – Cardinale outlined his plan for AC Milan’s revitalisation and reiterated his desire to meet Ruben Amorim’s transfer demands. Alajbegovic is a ‘top target’ for the Diavolo and is making a name for himself at the World Cup.
‘Where stars are born’
Now, Ibrahimovic’s words on the winger might just have added fuel to the rumours. The Swede commented with great admiration on the performance of young Kerim Alajbegovic in Bosnia-Qatar on Fox Sports.
“The whole world is talking about the goal, but for me the goal isn’t the most important thing. The most important thing is courage. An 18-year-old boy in a World Cup, under pressure, in front of millions of spectators, plays as if he owns the stadium,” he said (via MilanNews).
“That’s rare. He’s not the typical young player who just hoped to have a good game. He thought he was the best player on the pitch. The shot was beautiful, yes. The technique was perfect, yes. But what impressed me was his confidence before the goal.
“The way he demanded the ball and attacked the goal. Great players don’t wait for opportunities, they create them. People will say this is the start of his career. Maybe.
“But if he maintains this mentality, this goal will be remembered as the moment football realised who Kerim Alajbegovic is. The World Cup is where stars are born. Today, a new star emerged.”