Leeds United confirm deadline day activity status as £2.5m defender signs contract — YEP 30/8/24
By Graham Smyth
Leeds United have confirmed that a £2.5m deal for versatile
full-back Isaac Schmidt has concluded their summer transfer window activity.
The 24-year-old flew into England on deadline day after
saying farewell to Swiss Super League side St Gallen with a goal in their
Europa Conference League draw with Trabzonspor on Thursday night.
Schmidt has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road and
is expected to provide back-up and competition for both Junior Firpo and Jayden
Bogle, alongside Sam Byram. But Schmidt’s versatility has allowed him to play
in almost every outfield position in a career that began with Lausaane-Sport in
his native Switzerland.
A club statement confirmed the deal and that there will be
no further incoming or outgoing business in the final half an hour of the
window. Leeds entered the final eight days with a desire to add four players to
Daniel Farke’s ranks and Schmidt completes the quartet. A hope of adding a
fifth, in an offensive position, dwindled away as the last day of the window
progressed.
The statement read: “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.
“Our latest signing has received international recognition
early in his career as well, having been capped twice for Switzerland Under
20s, 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.” Leeds will count it as a win that they managed to
keep hold of Willy Gnonto, despite interest and a bid from Everton this summer.
The club remained confident in the final week that they would not lose any
further key players and the only question mark lingered over Joe Gelhardt, who
might have been permitted to seek a loan exit had Leeds brought in another
forward. A bid for Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United fell short at the start of
the week and Leeds say they did not return to the negotiating table despite
reports of a cash plus Joel Piroe offer from the Sheffield Star. Interest in
Roland Sallai of SC Frieburg did not translate to an agreement with the
Bundesliga club for the Hungarian international. The Whites could hand debuts
to new signings Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon and Ao Tanaka on Saturday when
Hull City visit Elland Road, but Schmidt’s arrival was too late for him to be
registered in time to play.