Leeds United will go into next season without two players who featured heavily under Daniel Farke last season.
Both Pascal Struijk and Karl Darlow arguably had the most impressive seasons of their United careers last year, but both have since moved on.
Struijk has made the move to Brighton, whilst Darlow joined Manchester United as a free agent.
The 49ers will know they need to replace the pair adequately this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds look to be taking steps to do exactly this.
Leeds United ‘confident’ of signing Tarik Muharemovic
Considering how much balance Struijk’s left foot gave United’s backline, it is imperative that they attempt to sign a like-for-like replacement.
According to Romano on X, talks between Leeds and Sassuolo are underway for a potential deal regarding Tarik Muharemovic.
The left-footed Bosnian defender is open to the move.
Reports out of Italy claim that Leeds are willing to pay just over £34million for Muharemovic. If Leeds do end up forking out this fee, it would make Muharemovic the second most expensive signing in Leeds’ history, behind the £36million they paid for Georginio Rutter.
In his update, Romano did not mention an exact fee.
However, he did say that negotiations regarding a fee are underway, with Leeds being confident of securing a deal for the 23-year-old.
Romano has posted another recent update regarding Muharemovic, stating that a deal is set to be completed soon.
Leeds need a marquee defensive signing this summer
Whether it’s Muharemovic or somebody else, United will know that they have to splash out to attempt to replace a player of Struijk’s quality.
This is why losing the Dutchman was such a big blow in the first place.
In fairness to the 49ers, the reported £15-20million they received for Struijk will potentially go a long way in funding a potential deal for Muharemovic.
However, whether the Bosnian would be able to replicate Struijk’s performances from last season remains to be seen.
Whilst Muharemovic already has 17 international caps under his belt, his experience at club level is far more limited.
The defender has just one season of major top-flight football under his belt, which came with Sassuolo upon their return to Serie A last season after Muharemovic helped them win promotion from Serie B the season prior to that.
Ultimately, this campaign was a success, with Muharemovic featuring 32 times as Sassuolo finished 11th and closer to the European spots than they were to the relegation zone.
Hopefully for Leeds, Muharemovic could adapt to the Premier League as seamlessly as he adapted to Serie A should he end up in West Yorkshire this summer.
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