Sunderland are still attempting to get their summer business underway and it very much seems like an additional central defender will be their priority.
The Black Cats are gearing up for a season of European football for the first time in forever and will be well aware just how important squad depth is to compete on all fronts.
It’s why Tarik Muharemovic is in their sights and why they’ve now launched a formal offer to the defender’s representatives, accelerating their move.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Reports are suggesting that Sunderland have made their choice between Muharemovic and Jhon Lucumi. They’ve already presented the former with a contract offer and are set to commence formal club-to-club talks with Sassuolo next week. |
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Finances |
It remains to be seen just how much Sunderland offer, but the Black Cats reportedly have no problem paying Sassuolo’s €40m (£34m) asking price which would make Muharemovic their most expensive signing of all time. |
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Insight |
The 23-year-old old enjoyed a solid World Cup with Bosnia & Herzegovnia, having come off the back of an impressive Serie A campaign – attracting the interest of Italian giants Juventus as a result. |
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Impact |
With Juventus and Aston Villa also chasing Muharemovic, Sunderland would be sending quite the message by signing the defender ahead of top European sides. |
Those at the Stadium of Light are edging closer and closer to their first signing of the transfer window and an emphatic one at that.
Sunderland launch formal offer to sign Muharemovic
According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have launched a formal offer to sign Muharemovic, offering the Sassuolo man a five-year contract worth €3.5m (£3m) per year.
|
Rank |
Player |
Fee |
Signed from |
Year |
|
1 |
Habib Diarra |
£27m |
Strasbourg |
2025 |
|
2 |
Simon Adingra |
£21m |
Brighton |
2025 |
|
3 |
Enzo Le Fee |
£19.3m |
AS Roma |
2025 |
|
4 |
Chemsdine Talbi |
£18m |
Club Brugge |
2025 |
|
5 |
Brian Brobbey |
£17.3m |
Ajax |
2025 |
The Black Cats are expected to commence club-to-club talks next week and reportedly have no problem meeting Sassuolo’s €40m (£34m) asking price – making the defender their most expensive transfer of all time.
Aston Villa are also interested in the defender, but have watched on as Sunderland have accelerated their move to land pole position. The Villans will likely now look elsewhere for reinforcements.
£34m Muharemovic should partner Ballard
There were a lot of injury concerns within Sunderland’s backline last season, but the addition of Muharemovic should help to ease those concerns. The Sassuolo man could become a permanent feature in Regis Le Bris‘ backline and form an impressive partnership with Daniel Ballard.
As far as centre-back partnerships go, Muharemovic and Ballard would be perfect for a side looking to retain their Europa League status next season.