Who is Tarik Muharemovic? Manchester United's potential January transfer target has been compared to William Saliba

Manchester United desperately need reinforcements in the midfield. So, naturally, the club seems to be looking elsewhere. If reports are to be believed, United are among the suitors of the Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic. It is not a bad move at all, especially as Harry Maguire will need to be replaced soon. If the club was better run, it could be argued that bringing in the 22-year-old Muharemovic is a smart bit of business. 

But, with United where they are now, it is arguably not an ideal environment to develop a young player. So, the club would be better off bringing in experienced players to positions that urgently need depth, like the No. 6 and No. 8 roles, as well as in attack, before signing a proven centre-back instead of Muharemovic. But, the recurring incompetence at the club could well result in them going for Muharemovic, a Bosnia and Herzegovina international. 

The highly regarded centre-back may still choose one of the other clubs that are in for him. The options include Inter Milan, Bologna, Aston Villa and Bournemouth. All of them, without doubt, will be better for Muharemovic’s career than a move to United. If he is advised well, there is a chance he would choose one of the other suitors. Also, he was only 10 when Sir Alex Ferguson retired; so, he may not have many memories of the time when United were at their peak. This may also play a role in steering him away from an ill-fated move to Old Trafford. 

If Muharemovic fulfills the potential he has shown this season, he could become one of Europe’s top centre-backs in the next few years. So, what is so special about this Manchester United target? 

Born in Slovenia in 2003, he began his youth career in Austria in 2009. In 2019, he signed for youth setup of first division club Wolfsberger AC. After making his debut for the senior team, he joined Juventus Next Gen, the reserve team of the Turin giants in 2021. He was loaned to Serie B club Sassuolo for the 2024-25 season, with who he won the second division. The club signed him on a permanent deal at the start of the current season for €3 million, with a 50 per cent sell-on clause (half of the next transfer fee) for Juventus. His asking price is now around €30 million; it could rise to €40 million if United get involved in earnest. 

At that price, Muharemovic could prove to be a good buy for a club which has the right environment and structure to develop him. He has had an impressive half a season in the Serie A with Sassuolo and has already earned comparisons with William Saliba, though the comparisons are admittedly premature. Nevertheless, Muharemovic seems like an exciting prospect.

A modern, athletic centre-back, who likes to put a tackle in and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Pro-active, rather than reactive, he likes to play on the front foot. As a result, he is also sharp with interceptions. All this makes him suitable to play in high lines and in high pressing systems. And, when his team loses the ball, he is quick to get back and has also shown a willingness to throw his body around. On the whole, he seems like he has all the attributes to become the complete package as a centre-back—a sort of Saliba lite if the term can be used. 

However, while he has good passing range, his passes have been awry at times. His challenges have also been reckless. Both those issues are likely to improve with more experience. His bravery has marked him as a potential future captain for his national team. But, his mentality has not been tested enough yet. At 22, poised to enter his physical prime, how he adapts to his next transfer is almost certain to make or break his career.