Why Leeds are already working to sign an upgrade on Muharemovic

Over the last couple of years, Leeds United have made tremendous progress under the guidance of Daniel Farke after his appointment back in the summer of 2023.

Whilst he was unable to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, but he did manage to win the Championship title with 100 points back in 2024/25.

He’s since made shrewd investments at Elland Road and made the Whites into an established top-division outfit – subsequently finishing last term in 14th position.

The real challenge for the 49-year-old is to take the club to the next level in 2026/27 and make a charge for a top-half finish or even one of the European spots.

The German has already been massively backed in his quest for success in Yorkshire – with a big-money talent already completing his move to join the Whites this week.

Why Muharemovic is perfect for Farke’s back-three system

On Friday, Leeds announced the £34m signing of centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Italian side Sassuolo, with the Bosnian international penning a five-year deal at Elland Road.

The 23-year-old spoke about his excitement upon the completion of his move, stating: “I will give everything for this club. I will give everything, every game. I just want to win. I hate to lose, and I will fight for every ball.”

Whilst he may be an unknown quantity to many supporters, the defender has caught the eye in Serie A over recent months – with his stats highlighting his quality into the defensive third.

During the 2025/26 campaign, Muharemovic made a staggering 10.9 defensive contributions per 90 – ranking him in the top 8% of all defenders in Europe’s top-five leagues.

He also won 64% of his ground duels in Serie A, subsequently achieving a better success rate than 90% of other players in the division – highlighting his tremendous ball-winning ability.

The aforementioned figures demonstrate his desire to put his body on the line for the side – something which Farke’s side require if they are to build on their recent finish in England’s top-flight.

He’s also a left-footed option – a rarity in the modern game – which also makes him the perfect replacement for the recently departed Pascal Struijk on the left-side of the manager’s back-three.

Leeds already looking to sign a Muharemovic upgrade

Despite clinching a move for Muharemovic in recent days, Leeds’ efforts within the transfer window have shown no signs of slowing down – with added reinforcements expected this summer.

Harry Wilson is another player who has made the move to Yorkshire since the market opened, but it appears the hierarchy are placing a real focus on the defensive department.

Farke’s decision to switch to a back-three has heightened the need for added depth and quality within the backline, resulting in a potential deal for Udinese star Omar Solet.

It’s been reported by Football Insider that the Whites have already started work on a deal to land the 26-year-old star after completing a move for Muharemovic.

They claim Newcastle United are also monitoring the Frenchman’s progress at present, but Farke’s side are holding the cards and are ahead in the race to secure his services.

Solet may be an unknown quantity to many Leeds supporters, but he’s a player who has massively impressed during his recent campaign in Italy’s top division.

He even managed to outperform the Bosnian international in various key areas for a centre-back – highlighting why he’d be a better addition for the Whites this summer.

The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by former Udinese star Felipe Dal Bello, has gained a reputation for his phenomenal ability with the ball at his feet in Italy.

Last term, he completed a remarkable tally of 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 – with no other defensive player, including Muharemovic, registering more in the Serie A.

His dominance over the Bosnian in possession was further reflected in his higher tally of successful passes and chances created per 90 – with his tally of 0.7 for the latter placing him above 92% of other defenders in the league.

However, even without the ball, Solet had the upper hand over the £34m addition – subsequently making more tackles and ball recoveries per 90 in Italy’s top division.

His tally of 5.2 recoveries per 90 is over two times higher than the figure achieved by the former Sassuolo star, whilst also ranking him in the top 5% of all defenders in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Solet would set Farke’s men back this summer, it’s crucial they work tirelessly to secure his signature in the months ahead.

He ticks all the boxes for a top-level centre-back in the modern game and his playstyle is perfect for the manager’s current three-back system at Elland Road.

Muharemovic is undoubtedly a quality addition for the Whites, but a move for Solet would no doubt trump it and hand the side yet another incredible defensive talent.