Leeds United have done it — a deal that’s set to go down as the second-biggest transfer in the club’s history is now agreed in principle, with Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović closing in on a move to Elland Road.
Four Separate Sources, One Story
This isn’t speculation anymore. The news has now been independently confirmed by four separate outlets, leaving little doubt that Daniel Farke is about to land his man to replace Pascal Struijk, who departed for Brighton in a £20 million deal last month.
It’s the culmination of a fast-moving chase. TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey first revealed that Leeds’ transfer chiefs had held direct talks with Muharemović’s camp over the weekend of July 12-13. From there, things accelerated quickly — Italian journalist Luca Cerchione declared Leeds the winners of the race for the defender, while the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth confirmed a preliminary deal worth around €40 million (£34.1m) had been struck, though personal terms were still being finalized at the time.
Fabrizio Romano Seals It
If there was any remaining doubt, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano put it to rest, confirming the €40 million package fee to Sassuolo, revealing that Juventus stand to receive €20 million through a sell-on clause, and confirming Muharemović will soon travel for his medical and to sign his contract. Respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio added his voice to the chorus too, confirming the fee and noting the final details were being ironed out.
Beating Off Premier League Rivals
This wasn’t a straightforward pursuit either. Both Sunderland and Bournemouth had already opened talks over the Bosnian defender before Leeds swooped late and won the race — a real statement of intent from Farke’s recruitment team, and proof that Elland Road can now compete with fellow Premier League clubs for in-demand talent.
A Record-Breaking Deal
Put into context, this fee will rank as the second-largest in Leeds United’s history, trailing only the club’s signing of Georginio Rutter back in January 2023. That alone speaks to how highly Farke and the club’s hierarchy rate Muharemović as the long-term answer at centre-back.
What Muharemović Brings to the Table
On the pitch, Muharemović arrives with a growing reputation. He made three starts for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup, though his tournament ended on a sour note with a red card in a 4-1 group-stage defeat to Switzerland. At club level, the left-footed centre-back predominantly featured in a back four for Sassuolo last season but is equally comfortable operating in a back three — the exact system Farke turned to late last season, a switch that played a significant role in keeping Leeds up.
The Perfect Tactical Fit
That versatility could prove crucial. With Farke clearly willing to shift between defensive systems depending on the opponent, having a centre-back capable of excelling in either setup gives Leeds valuable flexibility heading into a demanding Premier League campaign.
What Happens Next?
With the fee agreed and reports suggesting Muharemović will soon undergo his medical, this deal looks set to be rubber-stamped within days. For Leeds fans, it’s the clearest signal yet that this summer’s rebuild means business.
How excited are you about this signing? Could Muharemović be the defensive rock Leeds need to kick on next season? Let us know your thoughts below.
