Leeds United defender Isaac Schmidt has finally completed his long-awaited transfer to Werder Bremen, ending the protracted saga surrounding his future.
Isaac Schmidt joined Leeds at the start of the 2024/25 Championship season on a four-year deal from Swiss side St Gallen.
However, despite his ability to cover multiple positions across defence and midfield, Schmidt failed to earn a regular starting place under Daniel Farke.
Schmidt has been linked with a move to Werder Bremen for several weeks, as Farke looks to build a squad capable of remaining in the Premier League. But the move was held up until the Whites completed the signing of James Justin from Leicester City.
Now, with his switch to the Bundesliga confirmed, Schmidt has revealed the full duration of his protracted wait to leave Elland Road.
Isaac Schmidt forced to wait for Leeds United exit
Despite rumours that Werder Bremen were growing tired of waiting for Leeds to sanction Schmidt’s exit, the defender has finally completed his long-awaited transfer.
Schmidt left Leeds on a busy day of departures at the club, with Largie Ramazani joining Valencia and long-serving striker Patrick Bamford agreeing to terminate his contract.
Speaking in his first interview as a Bremen player, Schmidt revealed that he first spoke to the German club in July and has had his heart set on the move ever since.
Schmidt said, “I’m finally here. I think the first phone call from the coach came on 1st July. I spoke with him and with the staff then. Since then, it was clear to me that I wanted to play for Werder.”
Having waited several weeks for his transfer, both Schmidt and Leeds will undoubtedly be relieved to bring the transfer saga to a close.
- READ MORE: Pablo Hernandez and Kalvin Phillips lead tributes to Patrick Bamford as Leeds United exit confirmed
How many games did Isaac Schmidt play for Leeds United?
Leeds are expected to recover a transfer fee of £3.5 million for Schmidt under the terms of their loan-to-buy agreement with Bremen. However, they will be disappointed with the way his time with the club worked out.
Schmidt never started a Championship game for Leeds in his 12 months with the club, with all 12 of his appearances in the league coming from the substitutes bench.
Isaac Schmidt at Leeds United:
- Appearances: 14
- Championship Starts: 0
- Championship Substitute Appearances: 12
- FA Cup Starts: 2
The Swiss defender did manage two starts for the club in the FA Cup, playing the full 90 minutes of Leeds’ games against Harrogate Town and Millwall.
As a result, he leaves Elland Road having made a total of 14 Leeds appearances, with no goals and no assists to show for his time with the club.
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