Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United ‘to sign’ Tarik Muharemović in £34m deal, Sunderland set to miss out | OneFootball

Leeds United are expected to complete a deal worth around £34m for Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović, leaving Sunderland likely to miss out.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the 23-year-old is set to join Leeds, with the final details now being ironed out. Fabrizio Romano has also signalled the agreement is close with his customary 'here we go' post on social media.

Leeds are understood to have offered both the highest fee and the strongest salary package after interest from Sunderland and Bournemouth. An agreement in the region of €40m has been discussed.

Sassuolo are set to receive roughly half of the overall sum, with Juventus entitled to the remaining 50 per cent through a sell-on clause agreed when Muharemović left Turin.

Leeds' urgency after Pascal Struijk’s departure appears to have driven their readiness to commit such a fee and attractive personal terms, even with Sunderland able to offer Europa League football next season. Régis Le Bris has several senior centre-backs available, so Sunderland could remain disciplined rather than matching a package worth more than £30m.

Muharemović had been among Sunderland’s defensive options for a campaign that combines Premier League and European football. The reported price is substantial, particularly as Juventus’ sell-on clause has pushed Sassuolo to seek a significant overall package.

Leeds are expected to finalise the remaining details before Muharemović completes his move to Elland Road. Sunderland will now assess alternative centre-back targets while sticking to the financial approach that has shaped recent recruitment.

Source: Sunderland Echo