NafisaLeeds United’s transfer activity continues to gather momentum as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad with players capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
The Whites have already been linked with several high-profile targets this summer, but one defensive pursuit now appears to be moving rapidly towards a successful conclusion.
Competition for elite young defenders has been fierce throughout the transfer window, with a number of English clubs battling for the same emerging talent. Sunderland were among the clubs hoping to land one of Serie A’s most highly-rated centre-backs, but the latest developments suggest Leeds United have surged ahead at the perfect moment.
Reports from Italy indicate Elland Road is now the expected destination for Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović, with Leeds increasingly confident of completing what would be another major statement signing before the new campaign gets underway.
Leeds United leading race for signing
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Leeds United remain firmly in the race for Tarik Muharemović, with Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth also showing interest in the Sassuolo defender.
Sunderland had previously made a strong attempt to convince the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, with reports claiming they offered the 23-year-old a lucrative five-year contract worth €3.5 million net per season.
However, despite the Black Cats’ efforts, fresh reports suggest Muharemović’s future now lies elsewhere.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has described this as the “decisive week” in the race for the defender, with Leeds United, Sunderland and Bournemouth all awaiting the player’s final decision.
Tuttosport has since reinforced that belief, reporting that while all three Premier League clubs remain interested, Leeds United are now the side “pressing” hardest to complete the transfer.
Leeds United’s plan for signing
One significant factor working in Leeds’ favour is Juventus’ decision to slow down their own pursuit of Muharemović.
The Serie A giants had been monitoring the defender closely, but their reduced interest has reportedly cleared the path for Daniel Farke’s side to move into pole position.
Although Muharemović is under contract with Sassuolo until 2031 and is valued at around €25 million by Transfermarkt, Tuttosport claims Leeds are prepared to make a substantially bigger investment to secure his signature.
According to the Italian outlet, the Whites are willing to table a €40 million offer to Sassuolo while also presenting the defender with a contract worth €3.5 million per season through to 2031.
The report goes even further by claiming Muharemović is now “on the way” to Elland Road, with the transfer edging closer to completion as negotiations continue.
Juventus are still expected to monitor the situation because they retain a 50% sell-on clause, meaning the Italian giants would benefit financially if Sassuolo complete the sale this summer.
For Sunderland, the latest developments represent a significant setback after identifying Muharemović as their leading defensive target and making an early contract proposal. Leeds United now appear to have overtaken their Championship rivals in convincing the defender that Elland Road is the ideal next step in his career.
If the final details are completed as expected over the coming days, Leeds will have secured one of the most sought-after young defenders on the market, with the Whites emerging victorious in a transfer battle that also involved Sunderland, Bournemouth and previously Juventus.
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