Sunderland step up Tarik Muharemović pursuit with contract offer

Sunderland have stepped up their pursuit of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović by making a lucrative contract offer and preparing an official bid.

The Black Cats have identified the Bosnia and Herzegovina international as one of their priority defensive targets this summer and are now ahead of rival clubs in the race for his signature.

An official approach to Sassuolo is expected next week.

According to reports from Italy, Sunderland have already made their intentions clear to Muharemović.

The Premier League club have reportedly offered the 23-year-old a five-year contract worth €3.5 million net per season in an attempt to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light.

There is no indication yet whether the defender has accepted the proposal, but Sunderland's interest is described as concrete and more advanced than that of other clubs.

Journalist Luca Cilli reports that Régis Le Bris' side are leading the race, while Luca Cerchione adds that formal negotiations with Sassuolo are set to begin next week.

Sunderland are expected to submit their first official offer to Sassuolo in the coming days.

The club have also been linked with Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí, whose €28m release clause remains active until mid-July, but Muharemović now appears to be a major focus.

The 23-year-old joined Sassuolo permanently in 2025 after an initial loan spell from Juventus and has continued his development in Serie A.

His performances have attracted growing interest from England, prompting Sunderland to move quickly before further competition emerges.

Although Muharemović is no longer a Juventus player, the Turin club could still profit from any transfer.

Reports in Italy claim Juventus retain a 50% sell-on clause, meaning they would receive half of any future profit Sassuolo make on the defender.

There had been suggestions Juventus could attempt to re-sign the centre-back, but Premier League interest has made that increasingly difficult.

For Sunderland, the priority is now reaching an agreement with Sassuolo after making an attractive proposal to the player.

Sunderland are expected to open formal negotiations with Sassuolo next week as they look to complete one of their priority defensive signings.

The player's response to Sunderland's contract offer could be crucial, while Sassuolo's valuation will determine how quickly a deal progresses. If talks stall, Sunderland still have alternatives, including Jhon Lucumí.

Would Tarik Muharemović be Sunderland's best defensive signing of the summer?