​Leeds United couldn’t have asked for a better start to their brand-new Premier League campaign. Kicking off the season away at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest, Daniel Farke’s side fought through a gritty, fiercely contested affair. Just when the match seemed destined to end in a frustrating goalless stalemate, midfielder Anton Stach delivered a moment of absolute magic, curling home a sensational late free-kick to secure all three points and send the traveling Leeds faithful into raptures.

​The dramatic opening-day victory maintains the positive momentum from a strong pre-season and gives the Whites the ideal springboard for the grueling months ahead. While the entire squad demonstrated immense defensive resilience, one summer signing, in particular, caught the eye of English football royalty.

​Wayne Rooney Sings the Praises of Tarik Muharemovic

​All four of Leeds’ summer acquisitions made their competitive debuts against Forest, but central defender Tarik Muharemovic turned heads on a national scale. Brought in during the transfer window as the natural successor to Pascal Struijk—who departed for Brighton at the end of last season—the Bosnian defender quickly won over supporters during pre-season.

​However, it was his stellar performance on the grand stage of the Premier League that prompted glowing praise from Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney.

​Appearing as a pundit on Match of the Day, Rooney highlighted Muharemovic’s exceptional composure under pressure, his towering physical presence in both penalty boxes, and an unexpected turn of pace that makes him a nightmare for opposition forwards.

​Rooney told viewers on Match of the Day:

​“Muharemovic looks very composed on the ball. He is a big lad, good in both boxes, but you can see his composure. In the penalty box, he is a good threat from crosses into the box. He is quick across the ground for such a big lad.”

​Coming from one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, receiving such an endorsement is high praise indeed and suggests that the 49ers ownership group may have unearthed an absolute gem in the central defensive department.

​Smart Recruitment Sets Leeds Up for Success

​Muharemovic’s seamless transition into English football highlights what has been an exceptionally astute summer transfer window for Leeds United.

​The club’s hierarchy has shown both ambition and a sharp eye for value. The arrivals of James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic, and Nico Elvedi have injected vital goalkeeping assurance and defensive steel into a backline that looked remarkably organized and solid during Saturday’s clean-sheet victory away from home. Meanwhile, free-agent signing Harry Wilson showed tantalizing glimpses of the attacking dynamism that prompted the Whites to snap him up, with plenty more to come as he settles into the side.

​Ultimately, Leeds’ summer recruitment drive hasn’t just improved the starting eleven; it has elevated the overall depth and quality of the squad for the 2026/27 campaign. If newcomers like Muharemovic continue to command the attention of legends like Wayne Rooney, Daniel Farke’s side could be in for a very exciting season back in the top flight!