Tarik Muharemovic, the young defender for Sassuolo, has expressed his ambition to compete in the Champions League while reaffirming his commitment to his current club amid interest from Inter Milan. In a recent interview, he reflected on his rapid rise through Juventus' youth system and the lessons learned from Italian defensive legends. Despite speculation, Muharemovic emphasized his happiness with a contract extending to 2031.
Tarik Muharemovic, Sassuolo's promising center-back, opened up in an interview with Sport Week about his career aspirations and past experiences, as reported by FCInter1908. The 20-year-old acknowledged growing interest from top Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, but insisted his focus remains on performing for Sassuolo, where he signed a long-term deal until 2031.
"I’ve signed with Sassuolo until 2031 and I’m really happy here," Muharemovic said. "But of course I want to reach the Champions League."
Reflecting on his breakthrough, Muharemovic recalled his swift transition from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC. After debuting for the first team against Red Bull Salzburg, he was called up to Croatia's Under-19 national team for matches against Croatia and Saudi Arabia. Juventus scouts, initially there for another player, spotted his potential. "However, after the game, my dad called me and said: ‘Juventus want you.’ From that moment on, I didn’t want to listen to any other offers," he shared.
His time training with Juventus' senior squad profoundly influenced him. Muharemovic highlighted interactions with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. "I never expected Bonucci, who didn’t even know who I was, to stop and talk to me at our first meeting," he noted. "Leo gave me so much advice. How to defend better, how to use my body. Chiellini did the same, always smiling. I celebrate like him after saving a goal. From Bonucci, I’d like his personality, that aura that made me think: today Bonucci protects me."
When asked about his toughest opponent, Muharemovic surprisingly named midfielder Scott McTominay from Napoli. "It wasn’t even a striker," he said. "McTominay at Napoli made my head spin. He was everywhere. One moment on the wing, the next scoring a header in the box, beating me."
Looking ahead, Muharemovic admitted broader dreams beyond Serie A. "Serie A suits me a lot, but the Premier League is everyone’s dream," he confessed. As a child, he supported Barcelona, often debating with family members who favored Real Madrid.
For now, Muharemovic's priority is steady development at Sassuolo, balancing immediate duties with long-term goals as transfer rumors persist.
