Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to go all out to secure the signing of Tarik Muharemović from US Sassuolo, aiming to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and even AFC Bournemouth in the race for the young centre-back.
The 22-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international has attracted attention across Europe due to his impressive performances in Serie A, and despite recent claims that Sassuolo had no intention of selling him during the winter transfer window, the Magpies appear determined to make a decisive move.
Earlier reports suggested Manchester United had been monitoring Muharemović closely, with Sassuolo chairman Giovanni Carnevali confirming the Red Devils’ interest while dismissing Bournemouth’s approach.
Carnevali has publicly stated that the club did not intend to sell the player mid-season, but interest from several top-flight clubs including Newcastle and Tottenham has only intensified.
With Newcastle facing an injury crisis in central defence, the urgency to bolster the backline has become acute. Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Jamaal Lascelles are all sidelined, leaving Eddie Howe with limited options and increasing the priority of signing a long-term, reliable centre-back this month.
According to Bosnian outlet Sport Sport, Newcastle have identified Muharemović as their primary target in defence. While Sassuolo has resisted selling him in January, Newcastle are reportedly ready to make a substantial offer to secure his services.
The Magpies are said to be preparing a bid of 50 million Bosnian Marka, which converts to over £22 million, a figure that could potentially convince Sassuolo to soften their stance. The club is aware that other Premier League teams are also circling, and the sense of urgency is high if Newcastle want to complete the deal before the window closes.
From the player’s perspective, the situation could become complicated if multiple offers arrive simultaneously. The young Bosnian would need to weigh options in terms of playing time, long-term career progression, and the prestige of competing in the Premier League.
Muharemović’s move to Sassuolo originally began as a loan from Juventus in August 2024, and his stay was made permanent a year later, with a contract running until 2031.
This long-term deal reflects the Italian club’s faith in his potential, but it also gives Newcastle a clear benchmark to target if they want to sway Sassuolo into negotiating this winter.
Newcastle’s interest reflects the broader strategy of Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson, who have been focused on strengthening the squad not just for immediate needs but for sustainable development.
The team’s defensive struggles in recent weeks have underscored the importance of adding depth and quality in central defence. Securing Muharemović would not only address the current injury crisis but also inject youth, energy, and technical ability into a Magpies backline that has relied heavily on veteran players over the past seasons.
The pursuit of Muharemović is part of Newcastle’s growing ambition to compete consistently at the highest levels of English football. By acting decisively in the January window, the club hopes to preempt rival clubs and secure a player who fits their long-term vision.
If the reported £22 million offer is accepted, it would mark one of Newcastle’s most significant defensive signings in recent memory and could set the tone for future recruitment efforts aimed at blending youth and experience.
This deal could also signal a shift in Newcastle’s approach to the transfer market, highlighting a willingness to challenge established clubs for top emerging talents and to act swiftly when opportunities arise.
The combination of a strong scouting network, clear positional needs, and financial readiness positions Newcastle to make a bold statement this January. As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Tyneside to see if the Magpies can secure Muharemović ahead of their Premier League rivals, potentially reshaping their defensive prospects for the remainder of the season.
| Player Name | Age | Position | Current Club | Contract Length | Estimated Transfer Fee | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarik Muharemović | 22 | Centre-back | US Sassuolo | Until 2031 | £22m+ | Newcastle keen to sign; competition from Tottenham and Man Utd |
| Fabian Schär | 32 | Centre-back | Newcastle | Current | N/A | Injured, out for ~3 months |
| Dan Burn | 32 | Centre-back | Newcastle | Current | N/A | Injured |
| Jamaal Lascelles | 30 | Centre-back | Newcastle | Current | N/A | Injured |
Newcastle’s proactive approach indicates they are prepared to move quickly and decisively, with Muharemović representing both a short-term solution and a long-term investment for the club’s defensive ambitions.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the Magpies can outmaneuver their Premier League competitors and secure a player capable of strengthening their spine for years to come.
