Pjanic hails Alajbegovic as Juventus’ dream duo with Yildiz

On a sun‑lit afternoon at the Juventus training complex, Miralem Pjanic praised 18‑year‑old Kerim Alajbegovic, calling him "top" and a "dream duo with Yildiz" while hoping he will become the new Dybala. The former Bianconeri midfielder stressed his friendship with the Bosnian playmaker and his belief in the youngster’s future at the club.

Alajbegovic has already provided an endless number of assists – 132 in total – but the last one was a friendly chat rather than a classic through‑ball, Pjanic noted.

Pjanic’s enlightened guidance, he said, played a significant role in Juventus’s Formula 1‑style overtake to secure Alajbegovic, fending off competition from half of Europe.

Among the rivals was a financially powerful Chelsea, which has invested €369.5 million in the transfer market, yet they were beaten yesterday in a friendly in Hong Kong by Luciano Spalletti’s side.

The 18‑year‑old Bosnian grew up in Germany, took off in Austria at Salzburg, and has always kept a soft spot for Serie A, making Juventus a natural choice.

Juventus’s investment in Alajbegovic totals €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses from Leverkusen, a figure Pjanic likened to the €40 million deal that brought Paulo Dybala to Palermo in 2015.

When asked whether the Dybala comparison adds pressure, Pjanic replied, "Let's hope Kerim can emulate Paulo. The type of investment is similar; then the pitch will make the difference."

Pjanic advised the youngster to focus on his boots, listen to Spalletti and enjoy himself, noting that Alajbegovic chose the number 17 shirt like Mandžukić simply because it was available.

He added that Yildiz and Alajbegovic speak the same footballing language, and that under Spalletti’s superb guidance they will thrive together.

Looking ahead, Pjanic expressed faith in Juventus’s ownership and staff, saying the club’s immense history will soon lift trophies again as the transfer market concludes.

The story originally appeared in La dello Sport.