Bosnian Talent
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Italian football has long been regarded as the ideal training ground for young defenders. Stars like Cristian Romero, Achraf Hakimi, and Riccardo Calafiori have honed their skills in Serie A. Recent reports suggest that another promising talent could be on the move after showcasing his abilities. Regardless of whether the news originates from England or Italy, Sassuolo’s 22-year-old central defender Tarik Muharemović has been linked to potential transfers involving Newcastle, Bournemouth, Inter Milan, and most recently, Manchester United. So, who is this young Bosnian prodigy, and how exceptional is he?
How Has Tarik Muharemović Performed in Serie A This Season?
Muharemović began his journey in Austrian football before making a free transfer to Juventus in 2021, where he spent three years in the club’s youth ranks. Last season, he joined Sassuolo on loan during their Serie B campaign, helping them secure promotion to Italy’s top division, which led to a permanent transfer for €3 million this summer. Since then, Muharemović has consistently improved in Serie A. Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert, Stefano Bounfino, noted, “He had already displayed good confidence and technical ability as a modern defender in Serie B. He confirmed this in Serie A, even against top clubs and elite strikers. While he made a few mistakes—understandable for a center-back of his age on a newly promoted team—he’s found impressive consistency, and his spot in the starting lineup has never been questioned.”
What Are Tarik Muharemović’s Key Attributes as a Central Defender?
The 22-year-old has made himself a fixture in the Serie A squad, playing 85% of the available league minutes this season. His impressive form against higher-caliber opponents has significantly boosted his market value—from €1.2 million upon leaving Juventus to €14 million today. This places Muharemović as Sassuolo’s second most valuable player and the fourth most valuable Bosnian player globally. Bounfino described his key attributes: “He is physically solid, particularly skilled in aerial battles, where he leverages his height and anticipation. He displays determination, reads passes well, and anticipates plays. He also showcases good footwork and is willing to step up in the attacking phase when the situation calls for it.”
Could Tarik Muharemović Join Manchester United?
Such standout performances have attracted serious interest in the young defender, who is likely to leave Sassuolo for a fee significantly exceeding his current market value. According to Transfermarkt, Juventus holds a clause in Muharemović’s contract entitling them to 50% of any future transfer fee, meaning Sassuolo will demand a hefty sum to compensate. But does a Premier League move make sense for him at this stage of his career? Bounfino is skeptical, especially regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford.
“Finishing this season at Sassuolo could benefit him; switching leagues and countries mid-season might disrupt the consistency he has achieved,” Bounfino said. “However, much hinges on the team he would join: Manchester United has a tendency to stifle talent and has struggled with defensive continuity, a situation not solely attributable to the defenders. A move to Arsenal might be more beneficial, as Mikel Arteta favors defenders with solid footwork, often utilizing center-backs as full-backs. However, competition in North London would be fierce, and Muharemović faced challenges last season when he found himself out of the starting eleven for a period, although he eventually regained his place.”
Whether Muharemović will consider an offer from Manchester United in January or wait for opportunities from other English clubs during the summer remains uncertain. Reports from Italy indicate that clubs like Inter, AC Milan, and even his former team Juventus may also be interested in acquiring him before wealthier English clubs take notice of this rising talent. For now, though, Muharemović continues to be a crucial figure for Sassuolo as he develops into Serie A’s next top defensive star.
