Sassuolo Eye Francesco Acerbi Return as Leeds-Bound Muharemovic Replacement

US Sassuolo Calcio

Leeds United FC

Sassuolo are eyeing a return for Francesco Acerbi as they seek to replace Tarik Muharemovic, who is close to a €40 million move to Leeds United. The 3...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

16 July 2026, 17:10 UTC2 min read

In short

Sassuolo are eyeing a return for Francesco Acerbi as they seek to replace Tarik Muharemovic, who is close to a €40 million move to Leeds United. The 38-year-old defender, a free agent after leaving Inter, spent five years at Sassuolo earlier in his career. Acerbi would bring experience to a defence that is losing its anchor.

Sassuolo are considering an emotional move to bring back veteran defender Francesco Acerbi as they brace for the departure of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, sources have confirmed.

The Serie A side have identified the 38-year-old free agent as a candidate to fill the void left by the Bosnian, whose €40 million transfer to Elland Road – a club-record sale for the Neroverdi – is now all but complete.

Acerbi in line for Sassuolo homecoming

For Acerbi, a return to the Mapei Stadium would represent a genuine homecoming. The centre-back spent five formative years at the club before leaving in 2018 to join Lazio, the move that launched the most decorated stretch of his career. After winning silverware in Rome, he later lifted the Scudetto and reached two Champions League finals with Inter.

Having been a free agent since his Inter contract expired at the end of June, Acerbi is now assessing his options. A switch to Sassuolo would offer immediate playing time and a familiar environment, while the club would gain a wealth of top-level experience to shore up their backline.

Muharemovic’s big-money exit

Muharemovic’s impending move to Leeds United leaves a significant gap in central defence. The Bosnian anchored the rearguard last season and his departure in a deal worth €40 million reflects both his quality and Sassuolo’s ability to develop talent – but also creates an urgent need for a reliable replacement.

What it means for Sassuolo

Signing Acerbi would be a low‑cost, high‑experience solution for the Neroverdi. While age is a factor, his positional intelligence and composure on the ball could seamlessly fill the leadership void. The move also aligns with Sassuolo’s recent model of blending youth with seasoned professionals as they aim to consolidate their Serie A status.

The reported interest is at an early stage, but talks are expected to accelerate once Muharemovic’s transfer to Leeds is formally concluded.