January 13, 2026

Manchester United are reportedly searching for new defenders to bolster their squad either immediately or during the summer transfer window, even as questions persist regarding who will be leading the team long-term.

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The need for reinforcements is clear: United have allowed 32 goals in just 21 league games this season, the worst defensive record among the Premier League’s top ten teams. Remarkably, despite these persistent defensive struggles, they remain in seventh place and are only three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.



Despite not yet naming a successor to Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s recruitment team is reportedly pressing ahead with their long-term transfer strategy. As a result, the club has set its sights on one of the standout performers from Italy’s Serie A to bolster the squad.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, with CaughtOffside claiming the club has dispatched scouts to watch him several times.

The 22-year-old Bosnian international has had a breakout season in Italy, featuring 17 times in Serie A and earning a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable young talents in the backline.

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a watchful eye on the player as they look to strengthen their defensive depths for the future.

Despite this interest, a transfer is made difficult by a 50% sell-on clause retained by Juventus. The Italian giants offloaded the defender to Sassuolo for a modest €3m (£2.6m) in the summer of 2025 after his initial loan spell there. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig appears ready to act first, having reportedly readied an offer of €25m (£21.7m) plus performance-related add-ons to tempt Sassuolo into a sale during the January window.

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Manchester United’s reported pursuit of the Bosnian center-back coincides with growing doubts over Harry Maguire’s long-term future at the club.

With Maguire’s deal set to run out this summer, United are scouting reinforcements to bolster their defensive depth, aiming to close the gap on title rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

While his current club is hesitant to let him go during the January window, a high-stakes transfer battle is anticipated this summer in preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. The 22-year-old’s physicality and technical ability have made him a prime target for Premier League sides, though Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus are also monitoring the situation.

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