Leeds United's head coach was speaking after the win against Sunderland
Tarik Muharemovic of Leeds United
Tarik Muharemovic of Leeds United
View Image
Tarik Muharemovic has the potential to be a real Premier League star according to Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke, with the Whites boss saying "the sky is really the limit for him."
Farke was speaking after handing Muharemovic a start against Sunderland in New Jersey, with Leeds' new defender playing his part in helping his new side to a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory over their top-flight rivals.
Muharemovic, who joined from Serie A side Sassuolo for £34 million, impressed on his club debut. The 23-year-old center-back played 87 minutes in the heart of the Leeds defence, logging the longest shift out of any outfield player in the match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite still being fresh to his new surroundings, Muharemovic won several individual duels and made numerous interceptions. He jostled with the likes of Brian Brobbey, Trai Hume, and Timur Tuteriov, helping Leeds earn their first victory and clean sheet of the summer.
“For Tarik it’s challenging because it’s his first time in English football, the first time with his new teammates and how he has to adapt to different things,” Farke said postmatch.
Never miss a breaking story again. By subscribing to Leeds Live's LUFC newsletter, you'll get daily updates with the biggest news, breaking transfer stories and best analysis on all things Leeds United.
It's easy to subscribe, and if you don't like it, you can unsubscribe at any time.
“He is a very young player who played about one year at the top level, but is a promising young man that is full of talent and unbelievable potential. The sky is really the limit for him.
“I think we could see his calmness today, his body language, how he reads the game, and he also had many interceptions. I think for his first appearance with his new teammates it was a class appearance and we are happy with him.”
Muharemovic helped Sassuolo earn promotion from Serie B in 2025 before making 32 top-flight appearances during the last campaign. He followed that up by starting three matches for Bosnia-Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking his international cap tally up to 17 in all competitions.
Tougher challenges will come in the form of Premier League matches, but Muharemovic is already receiving positive praise after his debut.
As for fellow new signing Harry Wilson, he played 49 minutes in the match, featuring for the second time as a Leeds player after his outing against Wrexham. Featuring slightly under Lukas Nmecha at the top of the Leeds attack, Wilson once again showed his creativity and work rate, stringing passes in the attacking half.
The 29-year-old joined the club on a free transfer after delivering his best Premier League season to date (10 goals and seven assists) and now aims to set a new career-best in Farke’s squad.
“We have played against Harry at this level, in Premier League occurrences and others, but it was an outstanding season for him last season,” Farke said. “He was creating a lot of goalscoring chances between him and his teammates and has a lot of experience in the Premier League which brings more quality to us.”
Both Muharemovic and Wilson will likely add to their minute haul on Sunday when Leeds close out a three-match U.S. tour against Liverpool. Although it’s a friendly, Farke knows how important a victory against the Reds could be for the team’s overall confidence heading back home.
“I expect another tough test against Liverpool, especially with the quality of players that they have,” Farke said. “These moments right now are very challenging with double sessions and going for multiple weeks but there is no replacement for that winning feeling and it would be great to have it again.”