Košpo and Alajbegović are new names on coach Barbarez's list for San Marino and Austria

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team has received a significant reinforcement for the September qualifying matches against San Marino and Austria.

On coach Sergej Barbarez's list is also eighteen-year-old defender Eman Košpo, one of the most talented BiH footballers of his generation. Among the new names is Kerim Alajbegović, from RB Salzburg.

Born in Suhr, Switzerland in 2007, Košpo has so far played for Switzerland's youth selections, making a total of 30 appearances. After the Dragons' list was announced, the talented defender said goodbye to the country where he was born and raised.

He sent an emotional message on his Instagram profile:

"Dear Swiss, thank you very much for everything. From the first day I played for the U-15 national team, I always gave my best for this country. I fought and, above all, enjoyed it. However, I decided to go another way, which was a very difficult decision for me. Thank you, and I will never forget the journey I have been on.“

At the same time, he posted a photo of the BiH national team list with the message: "You are the one and only," making it clear that he has chosen the homeland of his parents.

Košpo started his football career in the youth selections of Aarau, and then wore the jersey of Zurich. A real turning point in his career came when, at the age of 16, he moved to La Masia, Barcelona's famous academy, where he honed his talent alongside the world's best young footballers.

This year, he decided to start a new chapter by signing a contract with Fiorentina, where he will have the opportunity to share a locker room and learn from the captain of the BiH national team - Edin Džeko.

Košpo's choice has caused great enthusiasm among fans in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and experts believe that he could become a long-term solution in the Dragons' defense.

His youth, experience from several football academies, and decision to wear the BiH jersey are seen as an important step for the future of the national team.

See coach Barbarez's list HERE

"We are happy about the new gathering because it is a great honor for all of us to be part of the national team. We have invited 25 players, among whom this time are not Ermin Bičakčić and Dario Šarić because they currently do not have a club. They are in talks with new potential clubs and I believe they will resolve it soon. Of course, we still cannot count on Sead Kolašinac due to injury. We decided to include two young players on the list who are receiving their first call-up to the senior team. It is important for them to feel the atmosphere and what it means to be part of the 'A' national team, and of course, it is up to them to show what they can do," said the coach at the presentation of the list.