Leeds United have stepped up their search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Daniel Farke keen to replace Pascal Struijk as quickly as possible.
Struijk completed his move to Brighton at the end of last month in a deal worth up to £18m, a fee many Leeds supporters felt did not reflect his true value.
The Whites, however, felt they had little choice. Once it became clear the Dutchman would not sign a new contract, the club decided to cash in, with the transfer also helping to improve their PSR position before the start of July.
Leeds have been pursuing several centre-back targets simultaneously, but one name has now emerged as the club’s clear first choice to fill the void left by Struijk this summer.
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Adam Pope provides fresh update on Leeds United deal
Leeds are in talks with the representatives of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, and have agreed to meet his wage demands this summer.
With personal terms unlikely to be a problem, Leeds are expected to table their first bid for the 23-year-old defender today.
BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope has provided his take on Leeds’ pursuit of the Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back this summer.
He indicated that Leeds are interested in the centre-back, but insisted that he is not expecting anything imminent with regards to his potential move to Elland Road.
Pope said on BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast when asked about Muharemovic: “He is only 23, and I can’t say I know loads about him.
“We do need a replacement for Pascal Struijk, and my preference would be an out-and-out left-hand side player.
“He is the latest name to be linked, and obviously there is [Wolves defender Ladislav] Krejci who has been mentioned.
“But right now, is this a signature we are going to see in 24 hours, as we sit here on Monday morning?
“I don’t see that happening straight away.”
Tarik Muharemovic is a serious target for Leeds United
Finding a like-for-like replacement for Pascal Struijk has become one of Daniel Farke’s main priorities this summer.
The Leeds manager is looking for a left-footed centre-back who is comfortable in possession, dominant in the air and capable of playing out from the back. Tarik Muharemovic fits that profile almost perfectly.
The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in Italy and further boosted his reputation with a string of composed performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.
Leeds know they face a challenge to get the deal done. Sunderland are also pushing to sign Muharemovic, while Juventus are entitled to 50 per cent of any future profit from his sale, leaving Sassuolo with little reason to compromise on their valuation.
Even so, the Whites are pressing ahead with negotiations and remain determined to bring the defender to Elland Road this summer.
