NafisaLeeds United’s summer transfer business has already attracted plenty of attention as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad ahead of another demanding Premier League campaign.
With several areas of the team under review, the Whites continue to be linked with defensive reinforcements capable of improving both depth and quality before the transfer window closes.
Competition for highly-rated defenders is expected to intensify over the coming weeks, particularly with a number of English clubs targeting the same emerging talents from across Europe. Leeds are determined not to be left behind and appear prepared to move quickly when the right opportunity presents itself.
One of the names attracting significant interest is Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović, whose performances have caught the attention of clubs in both England and Italy.
While Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth have also been credited with strong interest, the latest reports suggest Leeds are now making the biggest push to secure his signature.
Leeds United leading race for signing:
Leeds United are reportedly stepping up their efforts to beat Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth in the race to sign Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović.
Earlier reports indicated Sunderland had identified the 23-year-old as their priority defensive target, with Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí viewed as an alternative should a move fail to materialise.
It was also claimed the Black Cats had already presented the Bosnia and Herzegovina international with a lucrative five-year contract proposal worth €3.5 million net per season.
However, fresh reports from Italy now suggest the momentum may have shifted.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Leeds United, Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth all remain firmly in the running for Muharemović’s signature.
The coming days are described as a “decisive week”, with the defender expected to make an important decision regarding his future as interest from the Premier League intensifies.
Tuttosport echoes those claims, reporting that Daniel Farke’s side, Sunderland and Bournemouth are all competing for the centre-back. The Italian outlet adds that a move to England is now the most likely outcome, with Leeds said to be “pressing” hardest to complete a deal.
Leeds United’s plan for signing
Leeds appear to have received an additional boost after Juventus cooled their interest in the defender. The Serie A giants had previously been monitoring Muharemović, but their reduced pursuit has reportedly opened the door for the Elland Road club to move into pole position.
The Bosnian defender only recently committed his future to Sassuolo by signing a contract running until 2031, underlining how highly he is regarded by the Italian side. Despite that long-term agreement, speculation over a summer exit has continued to gather pace as Premier League interest grows.
Transfermarkt currently values Muharemović at €25 million, although Tuttosport claims Leeds are prepared to go significantly higher in order to secure the deal.
According to the report, the Whites are ready to offer Sassuolo €40 million for the defender, while also putting forward a contract worth €3.5 million per season running until 2031.
Tuttosport even goes as far as stating that Muharemović is now “on the way” to Elland Road this summer, suggesting Leeds have established themselves as favourites to land the highly-rated centre-back.
Although Juventus have yet to revive their pursuit, the Turin club will continue keeping a close eye on developments. They reportedly hold a 50% sell-on clause, meaning they stand to receive a substantial financial windfall should Sassuolo complete a sale during the current transfer window.
With Sunderland still interested and Bournemouth also monitoring the situation, Leeds are unlikely to have an entirely clear path. Nevertheless, the latest reports from Italy indicate Daniel Farke’s side are making the strongest push, with the coming days expected to prove decisive in determining where Tarik Muharemović will be playing his football next season.
Nafisa
