Daniel Farke will likely choose to use Tarik Muharemovic in one particular role albeit within a few systems
13:00, 15 Jul 2026
Tarik Muharemovic runs with the ball
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Tarik Muharemovic runs with the ball(Image: Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tarik Muharemovic looks set to become Leeds United’s second signing of the summer and the replacement for Pascal Struijk.
A deal in principle, worth around £34million, has been agreed, though there are still matters to iron out, such as personal terms and the structure of the transfer, before a medical is booked.
If all goes through as hoped, Muharemovic would join Harry Wilson in the class of 2026 summer recruits and potentially become the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history. Such a high fee will mean he is expected to become a key player for Leeds.
At 23, Leeds will hope he offers longevity and higher peak levels than Struijk. Like any new signing, he will need time to adapt and it is not clear whether a deal will be done by the time the squad fly out to the US for their pre-season tour on Tuesday.
If and when he does join up with the squad, this is how Leeds could look to line up in defence as things stand.
Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Muharemovic, Gudmundsson
If Daniel Farke sticks to his wing-back system, then this is currently the most likely defence he starts with. Joe Rodon played in the right-sided berth last season, with Jaka Bijol usually planted in the centre.
Farke likes centre-halves to play on the side of their strongest foot and so it is no surprise Leeds have jumped for left-footed Muharemovic amid the exit of Struijk. He will benefit from the rest of the defence having at least one full season of Premier League experience behind them.
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Bogle, Rodon, Muharemovic, Gudmundsson
Should Farke revert to a back four at any stage then it will likely be Bijol who makes way. It was notable that, no matter how well he played, once the manager changed to a four-at-the-back system Bijol was always the fall guy.
It would also make sense in this back-four case, given Bijol is right-footed. Muharemovic would offer the perfect balance in this regard with this line-up.
Bogle, Justin, Rodon, Muharemovic, Gudmundsson
It could be that Farke would like greater Premier League experience alongside Muharemovic initially, with Bijol playing fewer league games last season (25). Rodon would offer more guidance and direction, having also played in the central slot a few times last season.
Farke also has a nice situation at right-back with James Justin competing with, and at one stage surpassing, Jayden Bogle. Of course, there were many games where both played, with Justin as the right centre-back. This could happen at some point during the upcoming campaign.
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