Leeds United summer signing could be the answer to January woes – Daniel Farke has barely played him

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With supporters calling for more incomings before the transfer deadline, Leeds United may already have the solution to a number of their problems within their ranks.

Much has been said this month about Leeds and their potential transfer pursuits. It is apparent that Daniel Farke is seeking a number 10 to offer support to Brenden Aaronson, with Emi Buendia having been linked with a move to Leeds throughout most of January.

Such a player, be it Buendia or an alternative option, is clearly the main target for Farke, as he looks to continue his promotion push with Leeds, who sit atop the Championship table.

Some fans have raised the idea that Leeds are in need of another goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier having made a number of errors across the campaign so far. It appears, however, that Farke will continue to back the Frenchman as his number one.

The midfield is well-stocked, particularly since the arrival of Josuha Guilavogui and the timely returns of both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Leeds also have plenty of options both in attack and in defence.

If anything, a new addition for Leeds would be a versatile player, one capable of offering cover in a multitude of positions. What if, however, the Whites already have such a player within their ranks?

Isaac Schmidt could be the answer for Daniel Farke

In the closing days of the summer transfer window earlier in the season, Leeds announced that they had signed Isaac Schmidt on a four-year deal for just under £5 million.

Schmidt arrived from FC St. Gallen in Switzerland, who he helped guide to the Conference League qualifiers before moving to Yorkshire. Such a level of competition understandably had fans excited about the player Leeds had bought.

Despite this, Schmidt has scarcely had a chance to make an impression at Leeds so far, having made just eight appearances in all competitions.

Only against Oxford United has Schmidt played for longer than 10 minutes in the Championship and his only full match so far came against Harrogate Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

They are hardly the numbers you would expect of a signing that cost almost £5 million in the English second tier, especially when Schmidt’s fitness is factored into things. The Swiss has not been made absent through injury struggles.

Not only that, but in the brief cameos Schmidt has made in the Championship, he has put in displays that excited the fans.

Where would Schmidt fit in the Leeds United lineup

The beauty of Schmidt as a player is that he is versatile. A natural right-back, Schmidt is more than comfortable playing on the other flank, as he often did in Switzerland.

Not only that but Schmidt, as has been evident in the few minutes he has played for Leeds thus far, is comfortable when positioned further up the pitch. Farke has often brought him on for a winger, rather than Junior Firpo, Sam Byram or Jayden Bogle, depending on who is playing.

Having kept no secrets about his wish for incomings, earlier this month Farke said that he hoped Leeds would make three signings at least before the February 3rd transfer deadline.

This may seem unlikely now, given how little time is remaining in the window. In Schmidt, though, Farke has an option, already in the team and familiar with the system, that can be used as cover in numerous positions, alleviating the pressure of further additions.