How Leeds United beat Sunderland to Tarik Muharemovic deal despite big disadvantage

Leeds United have seen off competition from multiple Premier League teams for the signing of Tarik Muharemovic.

As already reported by MOT Leeds News, Muharemovic is to undergo a medical ahead of officially joining Leeds.

The Whites are reported to have agreed a £34.1million deal for the Sassuolo centre-back.

That would make Muharemovic the second-most expensive player in Leeds' history, behind Georginio Rutter.

Assuming the deal gets over the line, it would mark a coup of sorts for Leeds.

That is due to Sunderland and Bournemouth also showing an interest in the defender, but ultimately Leeds went above and beyond.

Money speaks as Leeds on verge of Tarik Muharemovic deal

Leeds' transfer business is finally starting to heat up, with Harry Wilson last week officially joining as a free agent.

Muharemovic recently emerged as a target after impressing for Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup.

Sunderland and Bournemouth were the other Premier League teams in for the 17-cap international, with both able to offer European football.

Despite that advantage over Leeds, TV dello Sport reporter Luca Cilli reported via X on Tuesday that United simply offered more money.

Not only did Leeds table more to Sassuolo, but also to the player himself in order to persuade him to join over the other teams mentioned.

Sassuolo will pocket half of the transfer fee, while Juventus get the other half due to a clause in his contract.

Leeds and Sunderland renew transfer rivalry

There was a running battle between Leeds and Sunderland last summer as the newly-promoted pair seemingly targte

Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki were both on Leeds' radar, but instead opted for the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland had a serious interest in Muharemovic, it is claimed, so Leeds can put this one down as a big win.

Muharemovic helps fill a big void in the heart of defence following Pascal Struijk's move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Daniel Farke may well want more cover at the back, but there are bigger priorities elsewhere right now.

The fee Leeds are paying for Muharemovic may seem hefty, but that was the only way Daniel Farke's men were ever going to see off the competition.