Albian Hajdari Set to Switch Allegiance to Kosovo
A fresh wind is blowing through Swiss football. Basel-born winger or midfielder Albian Hajdari appears poised to pledge his international future to Kosovo, adding his name to a new wave of players with Kosovo ties who are choosing to represent the Balkan nation on the world stage. While not yet officially confirmed, multiple sources connected to the club have signaled that Hajdari could follow in the footsteps of a growing number of Swiss-origin players who have embraced Kosovo over Switzerland in recent months.
Context: Kosovo’s growing pull for Swiss-based talent
In the last year, Kosovo has strengthened its pull by offering opportunities to players with Kosovar heritage who developed in Switzerland’s club system. The trend has been accelerated by the success of Kosovo’s already established international players and a national team that is increasingly competitive in European qualifiers. Reports in August highlighted moves involving fellow Basel-based talents connected to Kosovo, such as Eman Kospo (linked to Fiorentina) and Leon Avdullahu (with Hoffenheim). Avdullahu has already been associated with Kosovo, while Kospo’s path has been described in broader terms as part of Kosovo’s talent recruitment strategy. Hajdari’s case is viewed within this context: a promising youngster weighing the benefits of representing Kosovo on the international stage vs. continuing with the potential of Switzerland.
What Hajdari’s decision could mean for Swiss football
Switzerland has long benefited from a multicultural pool of players who can represent multiple nations. When players with Swiss roots opt for Kosovo, it can reshuffle national-team plans and alter the depth chart at several levels, from youth to senior squads. Hajdari’s potential switch might intensify discussions inside Swiss football circles about retaining dual-nationality talents and offering clearer pathways to the senior team. For Kosovo, Hungary’s or other neighboring countries’ competition for young talent remains a constant backdrop, but each successful integration strengthens Kosovo’s project and raises the bar for its development programs.
Implications for Hajdari’s club and international career
If Hajdari formally commits to Kosovo, the move could unlock immediate international opportunities — competitive caps in European qualifiers and potential friendlies that help Kosovo field a more dynamic midfield or wing department. For his club, the decision could influence team plans, including how coaches balance youth development with immediate competitive needs. Players who switch allegiance often bring a blend of personal motivation and international experience back to their clubs, potentially elevating performance and leadership within the squad.
What comes next: timelines and expectations
Football federations typically require a formal declaration of allegiance, followed by a cooling-off period and FIFA approval. If Hajdari proceeds, the timing would hinge on administrative steps and international calendars. Fans and analysts will be watching to see whether Basel’s academy products will be integrated into Kosovo’s setup in upcoming qualifying campaigns or international friendlies. The public debut, should it materialize, would be a milestone for both Hajdari and Kosovo, signaling a continued trend in which Kosovo’s national team expands through the naturalization or heritage-driven choices of players from Switzerland and other European nations.
Related players and the broader trend
The August reports surrounding Eman Kospo and Leon Avdullahu illustrate a broader pattern: Kosovo is actively courting players with Kosovar roots or connections who are plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues. Avdullahu’s involvement with Kosovo already adds experience and a competitive edge, while Kospo’s status reflects the fluid nature of national-team eligibility in modern football. Hajdari’s decision, pending official confirmation, would reinforce the narrative that Kosovo’s national team continues to expand its talent pool by embracing players who developed elsewhere but share a common national identity or heritage.
Bottom line
Albian Hajdari’s potential switch to Kosovo would mark another chapter in the evolving story of Kosovo’s national program and Switzerland’s ongoing talent drain to other national teams with ties to players’ roots. As the situation develops, fans of both nations will watch closely to see whether Hajdari’s allegiance will be officially announced and how it will influence future selections and the readiness of both Kosovo and Swiss squads for the battles ahead.
