Leeds United have finally confirmed their second signing of deadline day in the form of defender Isaac Schmidt with just 30 minutes left of the summer transfer window.
Much like Connor Roberts’ delay in January, Leeds fans have been made to wait until the dying embers of the transfer window before confirming the arrival of the 24-year-old Swiss star, joining from St. Gallen.
It comes after Leeds confirmed the arrival of Japan star Ao Tanaka at midday on deadline day, with Leeds paying a fee of £3.4m to land the exciting midfielder from second-tier German side Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Reports emerged on Thursday that Leeds were signing Switzerland U20 international Schmidt but have been made to wait as Schmidt chose to play for St. Gallen in last night’s Europa Conference League game.
Leeds fans made to wait for Schmidt signing after goal last night
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Schmidt scored for St. Gallen against Trabzonspor last night. Playing an hour, his side went through on penalties before Schmidt’s teammates paraded him in front of supporters.
Schmidt has put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2028, and has been handed the no.33 shirt. A jersey which Connor Roberts wore last season, and was worn by new signing Alex Cairns in his first stint.
Unlike Tanaka, Schmidt will not be able to play against Hull City on Saturday afternoon at Elland Road with EFL rules dictating that clubs must register players at midday the day before a Championship game.
How much Leeds are set to pay St. Gallen to sign Schmidt
Leeds are expected to pay an initial fee of £2.5m to sign Schmidt but a fee could rise to £4.6m, if Leeds manager to get promoted and Schmidt plays regularly. He provides some much-needed full-back cover.
Not exactly cheap but it provides some competition for fellow new signing Jayden Bogle, who has made a poor start to life in a Leeds shirt. Schmidt is a left-footed right-back, but can also play on the left flank.
That concludes the transfer window for Leeds, in which the club has made eight signings in Cairns, Bogle, Joe Rodon, Schmidt, Joe Rothwell, Tanaka, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon.
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