Three ways Leeds United could line up in defence with Tarik Muharemovic | OneFootball

Tarik Muharemovic looks set to become Leeds United’s second summer arrival and Pascal Struijk’s replacement. According to Leeds Live, a deal in principle worth around £34 million has been agreed, with personal terms and the transfer structure still to finalise before a medical.

If completed, he would join Harry Wilson in the 2026 intake and could be the club’s second-most expensive signing. The size of the fee would bring expectations that he becomes a key figure. At 23, Leeds hope for longevity and a higher ceiling than Struijk, though he will need time to adapt, and it is unclear if the move will be wrapped up before the US tour on Tuesday.

If and when he links up, one likely configuration in a wing-back set-up would be: Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Muharemovic, Gudmundsson. Rodon operated on the right of the three last season, with Jaka Bijol central, and Daniel Farke prefers centre-backs on their natural side, so left-footed Muharemovic fits. He would also benefit from team-mates who already have at least one Premier League season.

Should Farke switch to a back four, Bijol would probably be the one to miss out. Whenever the manager used a four, Bijol tended to be sacrificed regardless of performance, and as he is right-footed this makes sense for balance. Muharemovic would provide the left-sided option alongside Joe Rodon.

Another route is to lean on extra Premier League experience around Muharemovic, given Bijol featured in 25 league games last term. Rodon could guide from the middle, with James Justin vying with, and at one stage overtaking, Jayden Bogle at right-back. There were also matches when both played, Justin slotting in as right centre-back, which could recur this season.

Source: Leeds Live