Isaac Schmidt completes Leeds United move — Leedsunited.com 30/8/24
Whites secure eighth summer signing.
Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Isaac
Schmidt from Swiss Super League side St. Gallen.
The 24-year-old joins the club in a permanent deal, agreeing
a four-year contract until the summer of 2028.
Offering versatility to Daniel Farke’s side with his ability
to play in a number of positions, primarily a full-back, Schmidt can operate on
either side of the pitch in defensive areas, as well as further forward.
Starting his career with Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland,
Schmidt gained experience with the youth side Team Vaud, before progressing
into the first team at Stade de la Tuiliere.
In 2021 he moved to St. Gallen and had an immediate impact
in the first team, making 25 appearances in the top division. Having cemented
his place in the side, Schmidt would play a further 63 league matches over the
next two seasons, adding goals and assists in that time.
The 2024/25 campaign saw the side enter the qualification
rounds of the Europa Conference League, beginning their journey in July,
Schmidt helped his side to overcome Tobol in two legs, then Slask Wroclaw. He
scored his final goal for the club in a 1-1 draw away at Trabzonspor on
Thursday evening with a superb curling finish, which helped St. Gallen to
qualify for the main stage of the tournament.
Our latest signing has received international recognition
early in his career as well, having been capped twice for the Switzerland
Under-20 side, with matches coming against Portugal and England.
Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Isaac to
Elland Road, where he will now wear the number 33 shirt.
The club’s second signing of transfer deadline day, and
eighth overall throughout the summer, his arrival concludes the incomings and
outgoings at Elland Road.
Speaking exclusively to LUTV after signing his contract,
Schmidt gave his thoughts on joining.
He said: “I'm really happy!
“First of all, because it was my dream to come to England
and especially to play for a big club like Leeds United. It's like a big dream
for me.
“I think that the club matches with my personality and also
a club that matches with my values and matches what I think about clubs.
“It's a club that has big fans, it’s like a big family and
that's what I like about clubs.
“I want to have great moments between the fans, the players,
also the staff, all the people who work for the club.”
On the pitch, Schmidt is versatile. Usually deployed as a
full-back, the 24-year-old can also comfortably operate further forward when
required to do so as well.
“I love to play with my head,” Isaac told LUTV, about what
we can expect to see from him on the pitch.
“I can play in every position because I know how to play in
all positions, because I can think in many ways.
“And that's what I love about football, not to think in one
way, to experiment, to know how to do everything.
"So I just want to enjoy the first days, look how it
is, look how the people are.