World Cup Controversy Figure Muharemovic Joins Leeds on Five-Year Contract

Leeds United have strengthened their defensive ranks by signing Bosnia and Herzegovina international Tarik Muharemovic from Italian club Sassuolo on a five-year contract , marking another ambitious move ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old centre-back arrives in England after impressing in Italy, where he played a key role in Sassuolo's Serie B title-winning campaign in 2025 while on loan from Juventus . According to reports, the transfer is worth around €40 million (USD 46 million) , underlining Leeds' confidence in the defender's long-term potential.

Muharemovic also gained worldwide attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup , where he found himself at the centre of one of the tournament's most debated incidents. In Bosnia's round-of-32 clash against the United States , forward Folarin Balogun stepped on Muharemovic's ankle while contesting the ball after scoring the opening goal in what eventually became a 2-0 American victory .

Following a video review , Balogun received a red card. However, the controversy deepened when the striker was not suspended for the subsequent round-of-16 match against Belgium . The decision drew widespread debate after reports claimed U.S. President Donald Trump had pressured FIFA President Gianni Infantino to allow Balogun to play. The United States went on to defeat Belgium 4-1 .

Earlier in the tournament, Muharemovic himself had been sent off during Bosnia's 4-1 group-stage defeat to Switzerland , but he returned in time for the knockout encounter against the United States.

For Leeds United , the signing represents another important addition as the club looks to build on a 14th-place finish in its second season back in the Premier League. Owned by 49ers Enterprises , the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise, Leeds continue reshaping their squad with an eye on establishing themselves as a stable top-flight side. Muharemovic's arrival adds youth, international experience and physical presence to the club's evolving defence.