Zlatan Ibrahimovic has publicly endorsed Kerim Alajbegovic, describing the teenager’s World Cup courage as “rare” as AC Milan monitor the Bosnia and Herzegovina winger.
The former Sweden striker, who serves as RedBird special advisor at the Serie A club, made the comments while working as a television pundit for Fox Sports in the United States. Although Ibrahimovic missed a recent summit at Casa Milan attended by owner Gerry Cardinale and new chief executive Massimo Calvelli, he has continued scouting duties remotely.
Ibrahimovic: ‘Talent without personality means nothing’
Alajbegovic, 18, caught the eye with a sensational strike during the tournament, but Ibrahimovic focused on the mentality behind the finish.
“Everybody is talking about the goal, but for me the goal is not the biggest thing. The biggest thing is the courage,” Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports. “An 18-year-old in the World Cup, under pressure, with millions watching, and he plays like he owns the stadium. That is rare.”
He added: “Many young players have talent. Talent is everywhere. But talent without personality means nothing.”
Serie A priority for Salzburg loanee
The Bayer Leverkusen-owned forward is reportedly eager to secure a permanent move to Serie A following an impressive loan spell with RB Salzburg. Reports indicate Leverkusen are willing to sell the teenager this summer.
AC Milan could hold an advantage in negotiations. While Roma, Napoli and Atalanta have all been linked, none currently consider Alajbegovic a priority target, potentially clearing the path for the Rossoneri.
Positional overlap with Leao
Alajbegovic operates primarily on the left flank of an attacking trio—the same position occupied by club star Rafael Leao. This creates a tactical quandary for Milan’s recruitment team, though the teenager’s profile could offer depth or future succession planning rather than immediate competition.
The coming weeks will determine whether Ibrahimovic’s public backing translates into a formal bid from the seven-time European champions.