Leeds United Close In on Tarik Muharemović as Sunderland Prepare to Pursue Other Defensive Targets
Sunderland appear set to miss out on one of their key defensive transfer targets, with Leeds United on the verge of completing the signing of Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović in a deal reportedly worth around £34 million.
The 23-year-old defender had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs this summer, including Sunderland and Bournemouth. However, Leeds have emerged as clear favourites after moving aggressively in negotiations and agreeing a deal believed to be worth approximately €40 million. The transfer is now entering its final stages, with only the remaining formalities left to complete before the player officially joins Daniel Farke’s side.
Well-known Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Muharemović is closing in on a move to Elland Road, while transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also signalled that the deal is virtually complete by issuing his famous “here we go” confirmation on social media. Their reports suggest Leeds have outperformed Sunderland and Bournemouth by offering not only the highest transfer fee but also the most lucrative financial package for the player.
The proposed transfer will have financial implications beyond Sassuolo. Although the Italian club will receive the transfer payment, they are only expected to keep around half of the fee. Juventus negotiated a 50 percent sell-on clause when Muharemović left Turin, meaning the Serie A giants will collect the remaining share of the transfer income. That arrangement significantly increased the amount Sassuolo wanted from any potential buyer.
Sunderland’s interest in the Bosnian defender was genuine, with the club identifying him as one of several centre-back options capable of strengthening Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of a demanding campaign that will include both Premier League and European football. Despite their admiration for the defender, the Black Cats were unwilling to match the financial package Leeds placed on the table.
Leeds’ determination to complete the transfer has largely been driven by their urgent need to reinforce their defence following the departure of Pascal Struijk. That immediate requirement encouraged them to invest heavily in securing Muharemović’s signature, even though Sunderland could offer the attraction of Europa League football next season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have adopted a more measured approach during the transfer window. With several experienced central defenders already available in the squad, the club were not prepared to exceed their valuation simply to win the race for the player. Their recruitment strategy continues to focus on maintaining financial discipline while targeting players who fit both the team’s sporting ambitions and long-term planning.
Although Muharemović had been viewed as a strong candidate to improve Sunderland’s defensive options, the overall cost of the deal ultimately proved too significant. The combination of Sassuolo’s valuation and Juventus’ sell-on agreement meant any interested club needed to commit well over £30 million, making it one of the more expensive defensive transfers of the summer.
With Leeds now expected to finalise the move in the coming days, Sunderland will turn their attention to alternative defensive targets. The club remain committed to strengthening their squad before the new season begins, but they are expected to continue pursuing signings that align with their sustainable recruitment model rather than entering costly bidding wars.
As the Black Cats continue shaping their squad for the challenges ahead, attention is also expected to remain on other transfer pursuits, including the club’s reported interest in Matías Soulé, with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi continuing to oversee Sunderland’s ambitious summer recruitment strategy.
