Sunderland are still trying to get their summer business going and it seems that a central defender will be their priority.
The Black Cats are preparing for a season of European football for the first time and will be well aware of the importance of squad depth in order to compete at all levels.
That is why Tarik Muharemovic is in their sights and why they have now presented an official request to the defender’s representatives, speeding up their move.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Reports suggest that Sunderland have chosen between Muharemovic and Jhon Lucumi. They have already presented the first contract and are set to begin formal club-by-club talks with Sassuolo next week. |
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Finance |
It remains to be seen how much money Sunderland will offer, but the Black Cats are reported to have no problem paying Sassuolo’s asking price, which will make Muharemovic’s most expensive signing. |
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Understanding |
The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong World Cup with Bosnia & Herzegovina, coming off the back of an impressive Serie A campaign – attracting Italian giants Juventus as a result. |
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Impact |
With Juventus and Aston Villa chasing Muharemovic, Sunderland will send a message by signing the defender ahead of Europe’s top clubs. |
Those at the Stadium of Light are getting closer and closer to their first signing of the transfer window and insisting on that.
Sunderland have launched an official bid to sign Muharemovic
According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made a formal offer to sign Muharemovic, offering the Sassuolo man a five-year contract worth €3.5m (£3m) per year.
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Sunderland’s most expensive signing ever |
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Level |
The player |
Money |
Signed from |
A year |
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1 |
Habib Diarra |
£27m |
in Strasbourg |
2025 |
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2 |
Simon Adingra |
£21m |
Brighton |
2025 |
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3 |
Enzo Le Fee |
£19.3m |
AS Roma |
2025 |
|
4 |
Chemsdine Talbi |
£18m |
Club Brugge |
2025 |
|
5 |
Brian Brobby |
£17.3m |
Ajax |
2025 |
The Black Cats are expected to begin club-to-club talks next week and reportedly have no problem meeting Sassuolo’s €40m (£34m) asking price – making the defender their most expensive transfer yet.
Aston Villa are also interested in the defender, but are watching as Sunderland accelerate a move for him. The Villans will now look elsewhere for reinforcements.
£34m Muharemovic should be Ballard
There were many injury concerns at the back of Sunderland last season, but the addition of Muharemovic should help ease those concerns. The Sassuolo man could be a permanent fixture in Regis Le Bris’ backline and has formed a formidable partnership with Daniel Ballard.
In terms of working with the defenders, Muharemovic and Ballard will be perfect for a team looking to retain their Europa League status next season.
