Tarik Muharemovic: Why Leeds United can't fail transfer test in ultimate Sunderland battle

Tarik Muharemovic could move to Leeds United from Sassuolo this summer.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is coming off an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign for his country, catching the eyes of many with his defensive solidity.

It isn't surprising to see the Whites being linked with a move for the 23-year-old left-footed centre-back after Pascal Strijk's exit, but they're not alone in the race to sign him.

Sunderland have been involved in several transfer battles with Leeds since last summer, beating the Elland Road hierarchy to the signatures of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.

The Black Cats went on to finish seventh in the Premier League table, something a newly-promoted team hasn't done in a while.

With Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' ambitions taking on those of Paraag Marathe, the West Yorkshire outfit are arguably fighting for their reputation in the race for Muharemovic.

Leeds United can't risk transfer repeat as summer spends compared

Last summer, Sunderland significantly outspent Leeds, making 15 additions to their squad, a move that eventually paid off at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris' squad overhaul cost around £160m, with astute additions bringing top-flight experience, including Granit Xhaka.

Paired with Sunderland's gamble on some young promising midfielders, the West Yorkshire outfit could have been left to regret missing out on their targets.

The Whites were embroiled in a relegation battle for most of the season after a £100m summer spending spree for Daniel Farke, with Noah Okafor their most expensive arrival at around £18m.

Leeds opted against paying the big bucks for Diarra and Sadiki, but their recruitment team shouldn't make the same mistake with Muharemovic.

With a fresh year of PSR and the new SCR coming in, doors are opening to spend more in LS11 again.

Which position should Daniel Farke prioritise other than centre-back?

Muharemovic would be a brilliant addition at Leeds, but there's another position Farke should look to strengthen.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha provided decent options for the German manager at number nine last season, but the Whites could do with more quality up top.

The former Everton ace had a purple patch midway through the season that helped the West Yorkshire outfit survive relegation, but his form in the last few months of the campaign was a bit underwhelming.

If the Peacocks are serious about re-establishing themselves in the Premier League, adding a reliable goalscorer seems necessary.