Leeds United ‘to sign’ Tarik Muharemović as Fabrizio Romano signals deal | OneFootball

Leeds United are expected to complete the signing of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović for about £34m, leaving Sunderland poised to miss out.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports the centre-back is set to join Leeds, with final details being ironed out, while Fabrizio Romano has signalled his customary here we go on social media.

The 23-year-old drew interest from Sunderland and Bournemouth, but Leeds are understood to have put forward the highest fee and the strongest salary package.

The structure would see Sassuolo due around half of the payment, with Juventus entitled to the remaining 50 percent via a sell-on clause agreed when Muharemović left Turin. That clause has been central to Sassuolo’s asking price.

Leeds’ urgency after Pascal Struijk’s departure appears to have driven their readiness to commit significant funds, despite Sunderland being able to offer Europa League football next season.

With Régis Le Bris already holding several senior centre-backs, Sunderland could afford to stay disciplined rather than matching a package in excess of £30m.

Muharemović had been among Sunderland’s defensive options for a campaign combining Premier League and European football, but attention will now turn to alternatives that fit their established recruitment model.

Leeds are moving to close out the transfer before Muharemović completes his switch to Elland Road.

Source: Sunderland Echo