Leeds United are still pushing to sign a new centre-back following Pascal Struijk’s departure to Brighton earlier this summer.
The Whites were reluctant to sell the Dutch defender, but once it became clear he would not sign a new contract, they opted to cash in. The need to improve the club’s PSR position before the end of June also made the decision easier.
Despite suggestions that Daniel Farke could return to a back four next season, strengthening the centre of the defence remains one of Leeds’ biggest priorities.
Replacing Struijk has been high on the club’s list all summer, and Farke had hoped to have a new defender in place before pre-season gathered momentum.
While that has yet to happen, there is growing confidence at Elland Road that Leeds are edging closer to signing the player they believe is the ideal replacement for Struijk.
Leeds hold positive talks with top target’s camp
The Whites are now stepping up their efforts to ensure Daniel Farke has his replacement for Struijk as soon as possible in the ongoing window.
It emerged over the weekend that Leeds are interested in signing Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic this summer.
Leeds have already offered him a contract while they plot to hold negotiations with the Italian club over a deal to sign him in the ongoing window.
However, Leeds are now making rapid progress in the deal, as according to TeamTalk, the Whites held more positive talks with his representatives over the weekend.
The Yorkshire giants are feeling quietly confident about securing a deal to sign the centre-back in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds are prepared to meet Sassuolo’s £34m asking price to take Muharemovic to Elland Road ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Tarik Muharemovic is now Leeds’ top target
Daniel Farke is looking to replace Pascal Struijk with a defender who offers a similar skill set, having built much of his defensive system around the Dutchman over the past few seasons.
The Leeds manager wants 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 impressive campaign in Italy last season and further enhanced his reputation with a string of composed displays for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.
Leeds know, however, that striking a deal will not be straightforward. Sunderland are also keen on the defender, while Juventus are due 50 per cent of any future profit from his sale, giving Sassuolo every reason to drive a hard bargain.
Even so, Leeds remain determined to reach an agreement and are pushing hard to bring Muharemovic to Elland Road this summer.
Simple … just do it. His profile fits everything that Daniel Farke wants/needs in a LCB, with the added bonus that he can, naturally, speak the same language as Jaka Bijol