Tarik Muharemovic makes honest Leeds United admission after £34m transfer

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, making him the club’s second arrival of the summer transfer window.

The Whites have shown their backing for Daniel Farke by agreeing a £34m deal with Sassuolo to bring the 23-year-old centre-back to Elland Road.

Muharemovic has signed a lucrative five-year contract and, following the completion of the deal, has become Leeds’ highest-paid player.

The 49ers have not held back in the transfer market either, with the £34m fee making Muharemovic the second most expensive signing in Leeds United’s history.

Tarik Muharemovic reacts to joining Leeds United

The 23-year-old centre-back is expected to be the direct replacement for Pascal Struijk, who left Leeds to join Brighton earlier in the transfer window.

He emerged as one of the best young defenders in Italy last season and produced a couple of solid performances in the World Cup as well.

Muharemovic has expressed his delight at joining Leeds and said:

“I was born ready,” he told LUTV.

“I will give everything for this club. I will give everything, every game. I just want to win. I hate to lose and I will fight for every ball, even if it is my head or my feet, I am going.”

“I know that it is a big and historical club,”

“I know a lot. I followed since I heard about the interest that I could come here. I watched a lot, especially I watched a lot of videos about the fans, that every game is sold out, so it is just incredible.

“I directly knew what the ambitions are and the club told me what the ambitions are, so we want to get the club back where it belongs to. I just can’t wait to see the whole team. Today I saw a few players and, yeah, I just can’t wait to train with them, to see how they are and to meet my new family.”

Leeds need one more centre-back

Tarik Muharemovic’s arrival gives Daniel Farke the replacement he wanted for Pascal Struijk, but Leeds United’s business at centre-back is far from over.

The Whites are still looking to add another defender before the transfer window closes, largely because another departure remains a real possibility.

Sebastiaan Bornauw is expected to seek a move after struggling for regular minutes during his first season at Elland Road.

The Belgian has attracted interest from Germany, and Leeds are keen to bring in a replacement before giving the green light to his exit later this summer.