Leeds reshape defence after £34m Tarik Muharemovic deal amid John Stones interest | OneFootball

Leeds reshape defence after £34m Tarik Muharemovic deal amid John Stones interest | OneFootball

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·19 July 2026

Leeds reshape defence after £34m Tarik Muharemovic deal amid John Stones interest

Article image:Leeds reshape defence after £34m Tarik Muharemovic deal amid John Stones interest

Leeds United have reshaped their defence, completing a £34m move for Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic on a five-year deal on Friday, from Sassuolo, the second costliest signing in their history. His arrival followed Pascal Struijk's £20m switch to Brighton.

According to the BBC, Leeds were interested in signing England international John Stones, who became a free agent this summer after his contract at the Etihad expired.


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It is understood Leeds looked into Stones towards the end of last season, but his wages were always likely to prove a stumbling block.

Muharemovic now joins Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol. They are expected to form the first-choice back three if Daniel Farke persists with the system that worked in the second half of last season.

James Justin and Sebastiaan Bornauw offer additional cover at centre-back, and captain Ethan Ampadu can drop into defence if required.

The new signing changes the defensive picture at Elland Road, and it would be a surprise if the club added another centre-back this summer.

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