Sunderland Targets Tarik Muharemovic in Major Transfer Bid
Sunderland is preparing to open negotiations with Italian Serie A club Sassuolo for the signing of 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international centre-back Tarik Muharemovic. The deal could see Sunderland pay a considerable fee in the range of €35-40 million, underscoring their ambition to strengthen their squad with a promising defensive talent.
Who is Tarik Muharemovic?
Tarik Muharemovic is a young and highly-rated centre-back who made his move to Sassuolo in July 2025 from his previous club for a reported fee of €3 million. Since his arrival, the Bosnian defender has quickly established himself in the Serie A side’s starting lineup. During the 2025/2026 season, Muharemovic made 32 appearances and contributed two goals, impressive numbers for a defender in a highly competitive league.
His current contract with Sassuolo extends until 2031, giving Sassuolo a strong negotiating position ahead of any potential transfer. Muharemovic is seen as a vital part of the club’s future plans.
Sunderland’s Contract Offer and Financial Details
Sunderland has offered Muharemovic a contract running until 2031. The contract includes a salary of €3.5 million per year plus additional performance-related bonuses, an attractive package for the young defender. This offer highlights Sunderland’s determination to secure a reliable and talented defender to bolster their backline for years to come.
Transfer Fee and Market Value
Reports indicate that Sunderland is prepared to meet Sassuolo’s demanding asking price, which in early July 2026 was cited as being between €38 and €40 million. This marks a significant increase compared to Sassuolo’s initial €3 million investment just a year earlier and reflects Muharemovic’s rapid development and rising market value.
According to Transfermarkt, Muharemovic currently has a market valuation of €25 million. However, his potential has attracted competitive interest from other top clubs, which has likely contributed to Sassuolo’s higher asking price.
Competition From Other Clubs
Sunderland faces stiff competition for Muharemovic’s signature. Italian giants Inter Milan and English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have shown keen interest in the player. Additionally, Bournemouth reportedly made a €35 million offer for Muharemovic in June 2026, which Sassuolo rejected, indicating the club’s desire to keep or sell the player only at a premium price.
Juventus’ Role and the Sell-On Clause
An intriguing element in the transfer saga is Juventus’ involvement. The Turin-based club has already made a lower offer for Muharemovic but has not secured the deal. Juventus also holds a 50% sell-on clause from a previous agreement, meaning they will receive half of any future transfer fee Sassuolo obtains for the defender. This clause could influence Sassuolo’s willingness to negotiate, since selling Muharemovic at a higher price holds financial implications for all parties.
What This Signing Means for Sunderland
If Sunderland succeeds, acquiring Tarik Muharemovic could be a transformative move. The club is investing heavily in defensive reinforcements to challenge for higher league positions. Muharemovic’s youth and potential make him a long-term asset who can provide solidity and leadership at the back.
The Bosnian centre-back’s experience in Serie A—one of Europe’s top leagues—gives Sunderland a player accustomed to high-level competition. His presence could help stabilize the defense and inspire confidence in the club’s ambitions.
Summary: Key Points on Tarik Muharemovic Transfer
- Sunderland aims to sign Muharemovic for €35-40 million
- The player is 23 years old and an international for Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Sassuolo acquired him in July 2025 for €3 million
- Sunderland has offered a contract extending to 2031 with a €3.5 million yearly salary plus bonuses
- Juventus made a lower offer and holds a 50% sell-on clause
- Transfermarkt values Muharemovic at €25 million, with interest from Tottenham and Inter Milan
- Bournemouth offered €35 million in June 2026 but was rejected
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial as Sunderland enters talks with Sassuolo. Both clubs must agree on terms that satisfy Sassuolo’s valuation and Sunderland’s budget. Meanwhile, Muharemovic’s future remains under the spotlight as top clubs across Europe continue to watch his development closely.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Tarik Muharemovic signals their intent to build a strong, competitive side with a focus on exciting young talent who can shape the club’s future on and off the pitch.
