Kerim Alajbegovic explains what was ‘really, really important’ in rejecting Chelsea, learning from Alessandro Del Piero, and why ‘when Juventus call, it’s truly difficult to say no.’
The Bosnia and Herzegovina talent was linked to many clubs this summer after a spell at RB Salzburg, including Milan, Roma, Napoli and most notably Chelsea, where a deal was done until he rejected it due to the lack of probable playing time.
Instead, an agreement was reached with Juve remarkably quickly, and he arrived for the medical in Turin accompanied by ex-Bianconeri midfielder Miralem Pjanic.
Alajbegovic jumped at Juventus chance
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kerim Alajbegovic of Juventus reacts after a missed shot during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
“When Juventus call, it is truly difficult to say no,” Alajbegovic told Tuttosport newspaper.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am truly proud to wear this jersey. It’s true, knowing the club had faith in me was really, really important for me.
“Pjanic was also important in my choice, because he was a Juventus player, and had so much influence with this club. My father helped too, at the end of the day, it is what we all wanted and we’re happy.”
When it came to choosing a new direction for his career, the teenager was above all intent on finding someone who would give him a key role straight away, which is where Luciano Spalletti gave him the assurances that Xabi Alonso could not.
“I can see in training how good Spalletti is, that he always wants perfection. It’s positive to work this hard, because you learn something new in every session. You concentrate on the precision of the passing, the movement, the positioning. He is a top level coach for me and I can’t wait to keep learning from him.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kerim Alajbegovic of Juventus shots at goal during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic also received praise from Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, who called the Bosnian a real talent.
“Del Piero needs no presentation, everyone knows him, he’s a genuine legend. It is an honour that he said nice things about me, that is truly special. I just arrived and I must continue working hard, showing to everyone what I can do. There’s a long path ahead of me.”
The former Bayer Leverkusen forward has the utmost regard for his peers and predecessors, studying video of the greatest players.
“I’ve said it before, but in my view the best player is Lionel Messi. I still watch so many of his videos, he’s one of the best of all time, you can only watch, admire, and try to pick up a few ideas from him.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic has already made a good friend in the Juventus squad thanks to a similar upbringing, as both were raised in Germany.
“Kenan Yildiz is a great player and also a fantastic person. He helped me so much, because we both speak German, and it’s important to have someone who I can communicate with. We can’t wait to play together and bring Juventus to the top.”