NafisaLeeds United may already be getting the answer they wanted when they committed a significant sum to bring Tarik Muharemović to Elland Road during the summer transfer window.
The Whites knew they were investing heavily in a relatively young centre-back, but Daniel Farke’s side clearly believed the Bosnia and Herzegovina international had the qualities required to make the step up to Premier League football.
Just a few months into his Leeds career, Muharemović is already giving the club plenty of reasons to believe they made the right call.
More significantly, the defender’s rapid progress is reportedly leaving one of his former clubs wondering whether they made the wrong decision when they allowed him to leave Italy permanently.
Juventus had previously seen enough potential in Muharemović to bring him into their system, but after his impressive development with Sassuolo, the Turin giants now appear to be regretting not finding a way to keep him.
Disappointment over losing to Leeds United
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Juventus were among the clubs interested in bringing Muharemović back during the summer window.
The defender had attracted attention from several sides following an impressive spell with Sassuolo, where he established himself as an important player after initially arriving in Italy through Juventus.
The Turin club signed Muharemović for their Next Gen side in 2021, but he never made a first-team appearance before eventually being sent to Sassuolo on loan in 2024.
That temporary move became permanent a year later, with Sassuolo securing his services after he had made a significant impression.
Across 63 appearances for the Serie A club, Muharemović contributed four goals and four assists, while his performances also earned him recognition at international level with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His development subsequently put him on the radar of several clubs.
Juventus were reportedly among those considering a return for their former player, but they ultimately lost out to Leeds.
The Premier League club invested around €40 million to bring the 23-year-old to England in July, and so far, that investment is beginning to look increasingly justified.
Muharemović has played every minute for Leeds this season, completing 630 minutes across seven matches.
He has already registered a goal and an assist, with his first goal for the club coming during the 6-3 EFL Cup defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
His contribution, however, goes beyond his individual statistics.
Leeds have conceded just three goals in their opening six Premier League matches, giving them the joint-best defensive record in the division alongside Everton.
Muharemović has quickly become an important component of that defensive unit, while his form has also carried over onto the international stage.
The centre-back helped Bosnia and Herzegovina keep a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw against Poland on Friday, further highlighting how quickly he has established himself as a dependable defender.
Juventus have still benefited financially from the transfer.
The Italian giants reportedly retained a sell-on clause from Muharemović’s move to Sassuolo, meaning they received €17.4m when he subsequently joined Leeds.
But according to TMW, his spectacular beginning to life in England has already made the decision to let him go look increasingly frustrating for the Italian club.
And there is another reason for Juventus to look at Muharemović’s development with interest.
Leeds United investment paying off:
The defender was not short of options when he left Sassuolo.
Several clubs reportedly expressed an interest, but Leeds ultimately won the race for his signature, with Sassuolo sporting director Francesco Palmieri previously confirming that Muharemović specifically wanted the move to Elland Road.
That desire has already been rewarded with a prominent role under Farke.
Muharemović has also made it clear that he is determined to use his opportunity in England to establish himself at the highest level.
Speaking earlier this week, the defender explained exactly how he feels about his decision to choose Leeds over the alternatives.
“Now I’m really happy to be here, at Leeds, and in the Premier League, and not somewhere else.”
He added:
“My focus is here and I just want to forget those early years. I thank Sassuolo and I’m truly grateful for what they’ve done for me. I’m at Leeds United to prove who I am.”
That final line perhaps explains why the early signs have been so encouraging.
Muharemović has arrived at Elland Road with something to prove, and his performances suggest he is wasting little time doing exactly that.
There is also a striking indication of how quickly his market value has changed.
Transfermarkt valued the defender at €25m at the end of last season. That figure has now risen to €35m.
While market valuations are not the same as an actual transfer fee, the increase provides another indication of the progress Muharemović has made since leaving Sassuolo.
Leeds, meanwhile, have him tied down until 2031.
That gives the Premier League club considerable protection should his development continue at its current rate.
Juventus may have collected €17.4m through their sell-on clause when Leeds signed him, but the bigger question for the Italian giants is what Muharemović could eventually become worth.
If the Bosnian continues to shine in the Premier League, his performances are likely to attract attention from clubs across Europe.
For Leeds, that would mean they have not only strengthened their defence with a player already making an impact, but potentially secured an asset whose value could rise substantially over the coming years.
And for Juventus, watching their former defender thrive at Elland Road could become an increasingly painful reminder of the opportunity they allowed to pass them by.
Nafisa
