Muharemovic’s Leeds impact prompts signing-of-the-season debate

Leeds United defender Tarik Muharemovic has made an immediate impact after joining for £34.1m, with former Leeds manager Simon Grayson describing him as a “rock-like” presence and pundits already debating whether he could be the Premier League’s signing of the season.

The 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international has played every minute of Leeds’ league campaign so far. The team had conceded six goals and kept three clean sheets in its first eight Premier League games, while Muharemovic had recorded one goal and two assists in 10 league and cup appearances.

He joined from Sassuolo in July, becoming Leeds’ most expensive defender. His arrival followed the departure of Pascal Struijk to Brighton for £20m, and the transfer fee initially prompted doubts among some supporters.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson said Muharemovic had been an “outstanding signing”, adding that the defender’s suitability for the left side of a back three had helped him fit the team’s system. Muharemovic has also made more headed clearances than any other player in the top flight this season, according to BBC Sport.

Grayson recalled the defender’s debut in a friendly against RB Leipzig at Elland Road, when a tackle in front of the South Stand drew a loud response from supporters. “I was thinking, ‘you’re going to go down well with this club’,” he said.

The defender’s profile has risen since arriving in England, after a strong season with Sassuolo and appearances for Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup. BBC Sport reports that Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have been linked with him, though no move has been confirmed.

Muharemovic came through Juventus’ youth system, where he trained with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, before spells at Wolfsberger and Sassuolo. He has said the experienced defenders taught him how to defend.

For now, Grayson believes staying at Leeds could benefit the player. He said Muharemovic appeared to love the club, the city and its supporters, while acknowledging that the defender may eventually aspire to play for one of Europe’s biggest sides.