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Leeds United have had to fend off competition to ensure multiple new names end up at Elland Road this summer. Naturally, as a free agent coming off the back of his most impressive Premier League campaign to date, Harry Wilson was a man in high demand. Fulham wanted to keep the Welsh winger at Craven Cottage. Reports also suggested Aston Villa and Benfica were interested, but Wilson ultimately chose Leeds. By now, it is well known that Newcastle had a long-standing interest in James Trafford. However, the shot-stopper also ended up signing for Leeds. Now, Tarik Muharemovic has recently come out and revealed the interest he turned down from elsewhere prior to making his £34million move to West Yorkshire from Sassuolo. Tarik Muharemovic explains why he chose to sign for Leeds In an article from The Athletic, they reveal that United had compiled scouting reports for a full year on Muharemovic and even made their interest known to the player all the way back in March. This planning from the 49ers and Adam Underwood clearly left an impression on the defender. Sunderland were said to make a late attempt to sign him, but despite this interest, as well as forms of interest from a couple of Italian giants, Muharemovic signed for the Whites. “Juventus was not that much, but I’m thankful for every interest. Inter was also at the table, but I decided to come to the best league,” Muharemovic said. “After the World Cup, my agent, my family and I talked together. I got all the names of the clubs, and I felt Leeds was the best for me. I knew how much they wanted me.” Muharemovic continued: “I really felt how much they put in to buy me, how much interest they had, and I liked the club’s plan.” To be a fly on the wall for these talks the 49ers have with players must be fascinating. Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle both mentioned United’s ambition as key reasons as to why they extended their deal. If Muharemovic turned down the reigning champions of Italy, Inter Milan, in favour of a move to Leeds, then firstly, it shows what calibre of player he is, but secondly, it shows just how special this project is at Leeds under the 49ers’ ownership. Obviously, we do not know what is said to the players in the 49ers’ sales pitch. But you can imagine that our aspirations to get back in Europe will be quite high up on the agenda. Tarik Muharemovic will have to make a good first impression at Leeds The 23-year-old Bosnian was sensational for us in pre-season. However, it is important he carries this form into the Premier League campaign. In Nico Elvedi, United have a seasoned international with over a decade of Bundesliga experience who can play in Muharemovic’s position, as Daniel Farke confirmed in his press conference on Thursday. With James Justin also being able to slot into the back three if needed, our centre-back options look relatively strong heading into the season. Again, all the credit must go to the 49ers and the recruitment team. The potential competition Muharemovic has for his place in the team will only aid his development as a young defender. Equally, if he goes through a rough patch of form during his first season in England, we have players waiting in the wings who are more than capable of filling in for him if needed.