Fabrizio Romano: Tarik Muharemović ‘to join’ Leeds in £34m move as Sunderland miss out | OneFootball

Leeds United are expected to seal a £34m deal for 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, and Fabrizio Romano has signalled the agreement is close with his "here we go" post.

The fee is expected to be split evenly, Sassuolo receiving around half and Juventus the rest under a sell-on agreed when Muharemović left Turin.

Leeds have moved ahead with the strongest bid and salary, addressing an urgent need at centre-back after Pascal Struijk’s departure.

Sunderland had genuine interest and can offer Europa League football, but Régis Le Bris already has several senior centre-backs, allowing the club to stay disciplined rather than matching a package worth beyond £30m.

Muharemović had been one of Sunderland’s defensive options for a season combining Premier League and European commitments, yet Juventus’ sell-on clause increased Sassuolo’s asking price.

Leeds are now expected to finalise the remaining details before confirming his switch to Elland Road, while Sunderland turn to alternative targets within their established recruitment model.

Source: Sunderland Echo