Leeds United have completed the signing of Tarik Muharemovic, with a deal for the Sassuolo star set to be announced in the next few days. But it appears Leeds want to sign another centre-back.
Bosnia star Muharemovic, who was sent off at the World Cup, has been targeted by Leeds among other Premier League clubs. With Pascal Struijk sold to Brighton, Leeds needed to sign a left-footed defender.
Who do you want to replace Struijk?
Muharemovic, Kelly and others have been linked…
Juventus’ Lloyd Kelly was targeted, as was Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci. But it broke earlier this week that Leeds have agreed a £34m deal to sign Muharemovic, who will become Leeds’ second addition.
It appears to be an exciting signing, with Serie A supporters impressed by Leeds’ deal for the Sassuolo star. But Leeds were linked with defenders before Struijk’s exit, and new defenders are being linked.
Leeds linked with two defenders after Tarik Muharemovic deal
Leeds were said to want another defender before Struijk’s departure, and that suggests that they may well remain in the market for a second centre-back signing after the deal for Muharemovic is announced.
Reports in Italy say that Leeds are interested in signing Oumar Solet. The Udinese defender is supposedly a target for Inter Milan, but the Nerazzurri are unwilling to meet Udinese’s asking price of around £22m.
However, the report indicates Leeds are willing to pay the full fee for Solet this summer. Then, it emerged that West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos is also an option for Leeds, with £30m required to sign him.
Transfer expert Erkum Konur reported on X that Leeds want the Greece international after West Ham’s relegation. He’s not the only West Ham player to be linked with Leeds since the Hammers went down.
“Leeds United are keen on West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. West Ham expect £30M for him. Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring the situation,” Konur reported on Tuesday.
Why do Leeds United want another centre-back signing?
Muharemovic is a straight replacement for Struijk. One who, like Struijk, is excellent on the ball but many argue is better in the air than the departing Dutchman. But why would Leeds want to sign another?
DISCUSS: Muharemovic is an improvement on Struijk… ⭐
With Muharemovic on board, Leeds are back to four centre-back options. The returning Max Wober has no future at Elland Road and a move is expected this summer, with Isaac Schmidt set to join Young Boys.
But Sebastiaan Bornauw is a target for Koln and Daniel Farke seemingly believes another centre-back is required if he is to continue with his three-man defence. Mavropanos is proven in the Premier League.
While Leeds have often looked to Serie A for centre-back additions, with Muharemovic and Jaka Bijol both joining from Italian teams. Solet would be a third name on that list in just 12 months.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
