Sassuolo are weighing a sentimental return for veteran defender Francesco Acerbi as they prepare to lose centre-back Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United in a reported club-record deal.
Record Departure Forces Reinforcement Search
The Serie B club stand to receive approximately €40 million for the Bosnian international, according to reports. This would eclipse their previous transfer record. Muharemovic emerged as a defensive cornerstone last season, anchoring the backline with authority during their campaign. His impending exit to Elland Road leaves a significant void that Sassuolo must fill quickly.
The Neroverdi are therefore examining options to strengthen their defence without consuming the full windfall from their star defender’s sale.
Experienced Free Agent Available
Acerbi, 38, has been unemployed since his Inter Milan contract expired at the end of June. He departed San Siro alongside defensive colleagues Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian following a trophy-laden spell that included a Scudetto triumph and consecutive Champions League final appearances under Simone Inzaghi.
The Italy international previously spent five formative years at the Mapei Stadium between 2013 and 2018 before joining Lazio. A reunion would mark a genuine homecoming for the centre-half, who would offer Sassuolo invaluable top-flight experience and dressing-room leadership at no transfer cost.
Early Stage Interest
Despite the logical fit, the move remains speculative. Sources close to the situation describe the link as a hypothesis rather than active negotiations, with nothing currently agreed between the parties. Acerbi had appeared set to leave Italian football entirely following his Inter release, but a return to Emilia-Romagna would instead keep him in Serie A while addressing an urgent squad need for the second-tier club.
The coming days will determine whether this initial idea develops into formal talks, or whether Sassuolo look elsewhere to replace their departing star.