Leeds United are interested in a highly-rated international defender
Leeds United are interested in signing defender Tarik Muharemović from Italian outfit Sassuolo, The Yorkshire Post understands.
The 23-year-old, an imposing figure at 6ft 4in, spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sassuolo before his move from Juventus was made permanent.
His stock has been soaring of late and he appeared in three of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s four World Cup games before their elimination at the hands of the USA.
Tarik Muharemović represents Bosnia and Herzegovina at international level.placeholder image
Tarik Muharemović represents Bosnia and Herzegovina at international level. | Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Leeds United interested in defender
At the weekend, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed Leeds had entered the race to sign Muharemović. He also credited their Premier League rivals Sunderland and Bournemouth with interest in the centre-back.
Posting on X, he said: “Leeds United also enter the race to sign Tarek Muharemović as new centre-back from Sassuolo. Bournemouth and Sunderland called over recent weeks; Juventus have to decide as they mantain 50 per cent sell-on clause.”
The Yorkshire Post understands Leeds do hold an interest in Muharemović as they look to bolster Daniel Farke’s ranks.
However, if rivals make a move for the defender, Leeds could have a transfer tussle on their hands.
Leeds United hold an interest in signing Tarik Muharemović.placeholder image
Leeds United hold an interest in signing Tarik Muharemović. | AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Tarik Muharemović’s career path
Muharemović cut his teeth in Austria with Wolfsberger, eventually catching the eye of Italian giants Juventus. He starred for the club’s second-string side, known as Juventus Next Gen, but failed to make a first-team breakthrough.
He helped Sassuolo clinch promotion from Serie B as a loanee before a permanent move to the club provided him with the Serie A opportunity he craved. Muharemović has amassed a total of 63 appearances for I Neroverdi, scoring four goals.
Leeds currently have four senior central defenders in their ranks - Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Max Wober.
A reintegration for Wober appears unlikely and given the fact Leeds lined up with three centre-backs for the bulk of last season, an addition to their central defender pool seems inevitable.