After ending their relegation from the Premier League on their return to the top flight, Leeds United now need to focus on top form to stay top of the table this summer.
Daniel Farke has spoken in recent weeks about the need for quality additions if he is to succeed and take the Whites to the next level in England.
His calls have certainly been answered in recent weeks, with Harry Wilson completing a move to Yorkshire – then penning a four-year deal after leaving Fulham this summer.
The Wales international rejected advances from Europa League winners Aston Villa for his services – highlighting a coup for Farke and the 49ers.
However, the club’s transfer business seems to be on the rise again, having agreed a big fee to acquire one defensive talent.
What Muharemovic will bring to Leeds in 2026/27
A few days ago, Leeds agreed a shock €40m (£34m) deal with Italian outfit Sassuolo to sign defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Such a deal would be dependent on the 23-year-old completing a medical in Yorkshire, but once completed, it would be one of the most expensive deals in the Whites’ history.
In hindsight, it’s a big investment from the management, but what exactly will the Bosnian nation bring to Farke’s side in 2026/27 and beyond?
The defender has featured 32 times in Italy’s top flight and has registered an impressive defensive contribution of 10.9 per 90 – the highest of any Leeds senior player.
|
Tarik Muharemovic – Serie A stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics (90 percentile) |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
32 |
|
Terms & Conditions |
4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
86% |
|
Dribble success |
64% |
|
Aerials won |
64% |
|
Defense contributions |
10.9 |
|
Ideas made |
1.4 |
|
Victims made |
7.1 |
The aforementioned figure also puts him in 8% of all defenders in this category – highlighting his ability to prevent the opposition from causing damage in attacking areas.
Muharemovic’s stats of 7.1 clearances per 90 and his success rate of 64% further highlight his quality in the defensive third, as he ranks above 90% of other players in his position.
At just 23 years of age, it is clear that the Bosnian international is a player who has already made big waves in the professional game, but he also has pockets of time to reach the next level in any move to Yorkshire.
Why Leeds’ £40m signing would be a bigger coup than Muharemovic
Despite agreeing a £34m deal with Sassuolo for the signing of Muharemovic this week, Leeds’ transfer business has shown no sign of slowing down as the management attempts to find success.
All areas of the team could be the subject of further investment this window, as Farke looks for players to suit his new 3-4-2-1 formation.
The goalkeeping department is an area that needs more attention after the departures of Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow a few weeks ago.
As a result, TEAMtalk reported that Leeds have been in talks with the player’s representatives and Manchester City’s management regarding a move to Elland Road this summer for James Trafford.
They say the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave the Etihad during the current window, but only if the £40m asking price for his signature is met by any interested parties.
Farke’s men should be on top of such a deal this summer, with the Englishman a player who could cement his place as the club’s number one for at least the next decade.
His stats over the years highlight his quality between the sticks – and show why he could be a bigger threat than Muharemovic for the Whites ahead of the next campaign.
In the 2023/24 season at Burnley, Trafford managed to produce some key figures – many of whom have prevented the Clarets from a disappointing top-flight campaign.
He kept two clean sheets during his relegation campaign, but managed to register 3.8 saves per 90 – putting him in the top 25% of all ‘keepers in the division.
Trafford registered a record 1.1 goals per 90 during his top-flight year at Turf Moor, showing his incredible ability to command his territory.
£40m would be a huge statement of intent for Leeds – especially for a new goalkeeper – but it would make the club a top-class shot stopper for years to come.
There is no denying that Muharemovic could greatly improve the options in the defense department, but the new goalkeeper should be the priority for Farke – Trafford who could be the perfect choice for the manager.
