What Leeds United had in the back of their minds with £34m Tarik Muharemovic transfer

Leeds United probably had one key thought in the back of their minds with the signing of Tarik Muharemovic, Adam Pope has speculated.

The Whites beat off stiff competition to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina international from Sassuolo.

Muharemovic penned a contract at Elland that runs until the summer of 2031, with the deal announced last week.

The likes of Bournemouth and Sunderland, both of whom could offer European football next term, we said to be among his suitors.

But Leeds made their second summer signing of the transfer window, after paying around £34million to the Serie A club.

Pope has now given his thoughts on what the club were likely thinking when it came to shelling out a substantial fee.

Leeds United thinking of the future with Muharemovic deal

MOT Leeds News profiled Muharemovic after he signed for Leeds last week.

Aged only 23, and with 17 Bosnia caps to his name already, there is significant potential in the new towering centre-back.

Indeed, Pope - speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast - thinks that Muharemovic's age, and length of contract offered by Leeds, means the club clearly had thoughts that he could bring significant resale value.

The BBC Radio Leeds broadcaster said: "You must think that on a five-year deal that they must feel that there's maybe some resale value maybe down the line if required.

"And also, is it the first step to seeing the age come down on the side a little in some areas?

"They've had to get experience in haven't they to protect the Premier League status, but you do wonder if this is a very far-sighted signing, he's a very talentented young man."

What's next on Leeds United's transfer agenda?

Leeds have done a couple of decents of business this window, with Muharemovic following the free transfer of Harry Wilson.

But there is still plenty of work to be done, and at least one new goalkeeper is likely to be an immediate area to target.

Manchester City's James Trafford is a player Leeds are keen on signing, while Zion Suzuki of Parma is a name that won't go away.

Away from there, Leeds are still looking for attacking reinforcement with Julian Brandt a prominent target, and Pavel Sulc reportedly on the Whites' radar.

Southampton midfield Shea Charles also remains an active target, though as things stand there is still an impasse between the two clubs on a fee.