Slobodan Starcevic has given Tarik Muharemović a strong recommendation, but he has not dressed it up as an easy transition. The former Bosnia-Herzegovina U21 coach believes the defender has the composure, left foot and physical profile to succeed at Leeds, while also warning that the Premier League will expose any overconfidence.
Starcevic's view of Muharemovic
Starcevic pushed back against the idea that Muharemovic should be seen as a clone of Giorgio Chiellini, saying he is “a completely different type of centre-back.” His description was clear enough. Muharemovic, he said, builds his game through “composure in possession, an excellent first pass, the ability to carry the ball under pressure, and tactical intelligence.”
He also pointed to the obvious selling points. Starcevic said Muharemovic is nearly 190 centimetres tall and left-footed, a profile that is highly sought after. The case for Leeds is straightforward enough there: they are not buying a bruiser for the sake of it, they are buying a defender who can play.
The caution sits alongside that praise. Starcevic said Muharemovic has only one season of football in a major European league behind him, and added that “at times, Tarik plays on the edge of excessive self-confidence.”
His concern is about the small decisions that get punished in England. “In the Premier League, one poorly judged step forward or delayed reaction can soon lead to a clear scoring opportunity,” he said. That is the real test, not whether the move flatters Leeds on paper.
Muharemovic’s World Cup run gives Leeds a decent sample, if not a huge one. He played 272 minutes across 3 appearances and posted a 6.9 rating, which is solid rather than spectacular. He also opened that run with a 7.5, before follow-up ratings of 6.3 and 6.9.
Leeds are paying for upside, but not cheaply
Leeds are moving to sign Muharemovic for £34m from Sassuolo, which would make him the most expensive defender in the club’s history. Teamtalk says he is due in West Yorkshire on Thursday for a medical before the move is completed.
That fee tells its own story. Leeds finished 14th in the 2025 Premier League with 47 points, so a major defensive upgrade was always going to cost serious money. They are not acting like a club taking a flyer on potential. They are paying for a player they think can raise the level immediately, even if the adjustment period is real.
The deal also carries a wider financial ripple. Juventus hold a 50% sell-on clause and will receive €20m from Muharemovic’s move, with the money potentially opening room for their pursuit of Jhon Lucumí after Bologna's defender saw his €28m release clause expire.
Starcevic’s verdict, then, is the right one to trust. Muharemovic looks built for a higher level, but the Premier League will not care about the upside if he starts losing those first steps forward. Leeds have bought the profile, and the medical in West Yorkshire on Thursday is the next checkpoint.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
