Roma Begin Gasperini Rebuild With Move for Kerim Alajbegović

TL;DR

Roma is pursuing 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegović as part of their rebuilding efforts under Gian Piero Gasperini. The club is reportedly negotiating a deal worth €25-€30 million with Alajbegović and his father/agent.

Key points

Roma is committed to Gian Piero Gasperini's vision.
Kerim Alajbegović is an 18-year-old winger with Bosnian and German roots.
Alajbegović scored eight goals and three assists for Red Bull Salzburg.
Roma is negotiating a deal worth €25-€30 million for Alajbegović.
The club is undergoing significant management changes.

Mentioned in this story

Gian Piero GasperiniClaudio RanieriFrederic MassaraMiralem PjanicKerim Alajbegović

RomaBayer LeverkusenRed Bull Salzburg

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - MARCH 31: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia & Herzegovina celebrates the victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Now that Roma has thrown its full weight behind Gian Piero Gasperini, showing former Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri the door and preparing to replace Sporting Director Frederic Massara, the club is fully committed to Gasperini’s vision. While transfer season hasn’t descended upon us yet—not that it ever really takes a break—Roma’s first genuine target of the Gasperini-or-bust era has emerged: Kerim Alajbegović. Alajbegović, an 18-year-old left-winger with Bosnian and German roots, has hit the ground running in his professional debut. After tearing up the Bundesliga youth circuit with Bayer Leverkusen, Alajbegović made the switch to the Austrian Bundesliga this season, scoring eight goals and adding three assists in about 1,800 minutes for Red Bull Salzburg. While he is scheduled to return to Leverkusen next season, a glut of young wingers moving up the ranks may make Alajbegović expendable. To that end, the *Corriere dello Sport* reports that Roma is making headway with Alajbegović and his dad/agent on a deal worth €25-€30 million. After a positive meeting last month in Rome, facilitated by none other than former Giallorossi midfielder Miralem Pjanic, the club has reportedly agreed to terms with Alajbegović. As is often the case in these situations, these headlines can be misleading. Alajbegović’s will notwithstanding, Roma still has to meet Leverkusen’s demands; a lengthy process under normal circumstances, let alone for a club undergoing front-office upheaval like Roma. Still, take a look at this kid’s highlights and tell me he wouldn’t be Gasp’s star pupil…stay tuned!

Q&A

What is the transfer fee Roma is negotiating for Kerim Alajbegović?

Roma is negotiating a transfer fee between €25 million and €30 million for Kerim Alajbegović.

Who is Kerim Alajbegović and what are his recent performances?

Kerim Alajbegović is an 18-year-old left-winger who scored eight goals and provided three assists in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.

What changes are happening in Roma's management alongside the Alajbegović deal?

Roma has recently dismissed former Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri and is preparing to replace Sporting Director Frederic Massara as part of a management overhaul.