Why Leeds must break the bank sign Tarik Muharemovic as Pascal Struijk's replacement

Leeds United are looking to make changes their backline ahead of the 2026-27 season.

After securing safety in the Premier League last term, it was confirmed that Pascal Struijk would be leaving Elland Road to join Brighton.

The Whites are now interested in Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic as a potential replacement for Struijk.

He made 32 Serie A appearances for the Neroverdi last term as they finished 11th following promotion.

As a result, he started three matches at the World Cup for Bosnia & Herzegovina, missing the 3-1 win against Qatar through suspension.

As they look to replace Struijk, the numbers show why they must break the bank and secure a £34million deal for Muharemovic.

Tarik Muheremovic follows Pascal Struijk trend that Daniel Farke will love

In the modern football world, a left-footed centre-back is simply priceless.

And much like Struijk, Muharemovic is one, and the statistical similarities highlight exactly why Leeds are interested in him - also matching the previous talks regarding Ladislav Krejci.

Across 2,835 minutes in Serie A last term, the 23-year-old became a crucial cog at the back for Sassuolo.

In possession, he proved crucial, playing 1,413 successful passes at a success rate of 85.7 per cent, with 89 long balls to go with.

Struijk notched similar numbers, with 1,627, 88.5 per cent and 71 accurate long balls. With 2,131 and 2,295 touches each, the pair were most certainly trusted to build from the back.

On the ball, they are stylistically similar, while there is plenty of room for Muharemovic to grow and improve at 23, something outlined by former boss Fabio Grosso, who labelled him as a "strong lad."

Does Muharemovic have a higher ceiling than Struijk?

After breaking through during Leeds' previous spell in the Premier League, Struijk finally began to make a real name for himself in the top flight last term.

Operating on the left of Farke's back three, he was able to use his possession expertise, and was handed the defensive cover alongside him to move into wider areas.

But, Muharemovic is three years younger, and has already impressed in the top flight with a promoted side, and has earned his spot at a World Cup.

Right now, he is yet to play in the Premier League of course, but based on the numbers in possession, Leeds could not have found a more like-for-like replacement.

There is serious potential in the Bosnian, and the Whites must see the £30m value as worth every penny.