Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United ‘to sign’ Tarik Muharemović in £34m deal | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing in on the £34m signing of Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović, leaving Sunderland poised to miss out.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports the 23-year-old is set to join Leeds with final details being ironed out, while Fabrizio Romano has signalled an agreement is close with his trademark "here we go" post.

Muharemović attracted interest from Sunderland and Bournemouth, but Leeds are understood to have tabled the highest fee and most competitive salary. The package totals about £34m, with Sassuolo due roughly half and Juventus entitled to the other 50% via a sell-on clause from his Turin exit.

Sunderland’s interest was genuine, yet Leeds had a more immediate need at centre-back after Pascal Struijk’s departure. That urgency is reflected in their readiness to commit a significant fee and personal terms, even though Sunderland can offer Europa League football next season.

Régis Le Bris already has several senior centre-backs, so Sunderland have remained disciplined rather than match a deal exceeding £30m. Muharemović was among options for a campaign combining the Premier League and European football, but the Juventus clause has driven up Sassuolo’s demands.

Leeds are expected to conclude the remaining formalities before Muharemović completes his move to Elland Road. Sunderland will continue assessing alternative defensive targets while maintaining their established recruitment approach.

Source: Sunderland Echo