Leeds United have completed the signing of Bosnia-Herzegovina international centre-back Tarik Muharemović from Sassuolo for a reported fee of €40 million (£34m), with the 23-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at Elland Road.
The transfer brings to England a player whose name became headline news during the 2026 World Cup — not just for his defensive displays, but as the central figure in one of the tournament's most controversial moments. Muharemović was the victim of a red-card stamp from United States forward Folarin Balogun during the round of 32 clash in Santa Clara, California, on July 1.
Balogun, who had opened the scoring for the US in what ended as a 2-0 victory, planted his studs on Muharemović's ankle as the pair contested a loose ball. After a VAR review, the Monaco forward was shown a straight red card — the first of his senior career. The incident sparked fierce global debate over player safety and intent, with Balogun handed a three-match suspension by FIFA. The controversy took a political turn when US President Donald Trump reportedly pressured FIFA President Gianni Infantino to allow Balogun to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, a game the United States ultimately lost 4-1.
