Bosnia inflicted more World Cup heartbreak on Italy on Tuesday night, and AC Milan had a scout there to watch one of their rising stars.
The eyes of a nation were on Zenica last night, where the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive edition. Many prominent figures witnessed the fateful evening live, from Sports Minister Andrea Abodi to FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, plus Luigi De Siervo, Ezio Simonelli and Beppe Marotta.
According to information gathered by AllMilan, several Rossoneri scouts were also present at the stadium, tasked with closely observing one of the most promising players from Barbarez’s national team.
Milan watch the game-winner
Milan had representatives present at the Bilino Polje stadium yesterday to get a closer look at Esmir Bajraktarević. The 20-year-old – who played all 120 minutes – was instrumental in the Balkan side’s qualification by scoring the fourth and final penalty in the shootout.
Born in Appleton, Wisconsin in the United States, Bajraktarević holds dual citizenship and made his debut for the USA national team in January 2024, in a friendly loss to Slovenia. A call-up from Bosnia and Herzegovina followed in August of the same year, leading him to choose to represent them.
After an initial professional stint in the States with NE Revolution, he was acquired outright by PSV in January 2025, the club where he still plays. This season he has made 23 appearances in the Eredivise, with two goals and two assists to his name.
Bajraktarević seems to be coming of age, and his strong performances with the national team confirm this. Milan have already kept an eye on him, but seeing perform at a major event like the World Cup could boost his asking price.
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Classic right winger, where would he play?
But Bajraktarević is playing in netherland, the same with santi gimenez, maybe he’s another gambling solution, could become next kvara or chiesa.
They should get the left wing Kerim Alajbegovic. He will be a star
or sign both & sell Nkunku,
Esmir is classic RW & Kerim can play SS/AM/LW/RW, get them b4 price explode then we’ve saved rotation FW till next 5y, use Tere & Z’s to luring Balkan prospects
He is a 40M player already. That ship has sailed.
Encore Moncada 😤
Marotta watch? I’m almost got second hand embarrassment for him as Inter player make the mistake that cost Italy World Cup
If only Gabbia was playing that game, maybe things would have been different. Bastoni is an absolute clown.
What’s the mood in Italy? 3 missed World Cups in a row is brutal…
So much for developing the Italians.