Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has devised a strategy for the 18-year-old Bosnian international Kerim Alajbegović, whose transfer cost €30 million. The goal is to protect the investment and allow the player to adapt without the immense burden of expectations.
The arrival of Kerim Alajbegović at Juventus for €30 million has drawn significant attention, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, according to reports from Italy, the young Bosnian international will not immediately be a regular starter. Coach Luciano Spalletti has prepared a different approach for him.
The strategy is to gradually introduce the young footballer into the team. This would avoid unnecessary pressure during the adjustment period to a new environment and the demands of Serie A. As reported by the specialized Italian portal TuttoJuve, Spalletti is aware of the potential Alajbegović possesses and believes he could become an extremely significant player for the club in the future.
That is precisely why he does not want to rush his development. Given that he is only 18 years old and has arrived in a completely new environment, he faces adaptation to one of the most tactically demanding leagues in Europe. The coaching staff's plan is for the Bosnian international to gradually absorb Spalletti's tactical ideas and requirements, after which his playing time would be progressively increased.
After €30 million was invested in him, expectations arose that Alajbegović could immediately step into the starting eleven of the Turin-based Old Lady. Fans in Bosnia and Herzegovina also hoped for such an outcome, but it seems that the 18-year-old, at least in the early part of the season, will not have the status of a regular starter.
This does not mean the club does not take him seriously. On the contrary, the decision to gradually integrate him into the team is designed as a way for Juventus to protect their significant investment and allow the player to progress without the weight of enormous expectations that accompany such an expensive transfer.
Alajbegović has already logged his first minutes in a Juventus shirt, in a friendly match against Inter. A new opportunity to prove himself comes very soon. Juventus plays a preparatory match against Palermo, a Serie B side, on Tuesday, and it is expected that Spalletti will give the young Bosnian international another chance to play.
These preparatory matches should serve as a crucial period for Alajbegović to get to know his new teammates, the coach's demands, and the team's style of play. Given that Juventus allocated as much as €30 million for his arrival, there are certainly big plans for this talent in Turin. However, the first and most important step will be patience, both from the club and the player himself.
