Leeds United are in the market for a centre-back following the departure of Pascal Struijk, who joined Brighton earlier in the summer transfer window.
The Whites had little choice but to sell the Dutch defender once it became clear that he was not going to sign a new deal, and the club needed a major sale before the end of June.
Leeds are now in the market for a centre-back despite suggestions that Daniel Farke is considering returning to a back-four system next season.
The Whites need a centre-back to replace Struijk, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Leeds are firmly in the race to sign a World Cup defender.
Read More: Leeds United are set to sell one more centre-back after Pascal Struijk
Leeds United have found a solution in Italy
The Whites have been heavily linked with a move to sign a defender, and several centre-backs are on their shortlist of targets ahead of the start of the season.
Leeds have their eyes on Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci, and are believed to be closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi.
However, Fabrizio Romano has added a new name to the shortlist of targets, and the club are firmly in the race to sign him this summer.
🚨🇧🇦 EXCL: Leeds United also enter the race to sign Tarek Muharemović as new centre back from Sassuolo.
Bournemouth and Sunderland called over recent weeks; Juventus have to decide as they mantain 50% sell-on clause. pic.twitter.com/u4bPWDCcqZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2026
Leeds have set their sights on Sassuolo and Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic, who was part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad at the World Cup.
The Whites have joined the race for the signature of the 23-year-old centre-back, who has other suitors in the Premier League as well.
Sunderland and Bournemouth have also carried out checks on the defender, ahead of a potential swoop to sign him this summer.
Juventus are also considering the centre-back as they hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause.
Tarik Muharemovic suits the profile Leeds want
Daniel Farke is in favour of signing a similar profile to Pascal Struijk, who was a major part of his Leeds team over the last few seasons.
The Leeds boss wants a left-footed defender who can play out from the back, and Tarik Muharemovic suits the profile of player the German is keen to sign.
His performances in Italy last season turned heads, and he also looked good at the World Cup while playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It is unclea how much money Sassulo want but he is unlikely to come cheap as the Italian could would have to share half of the profits with Juventus.
