Beren Cross outlines Leeds United exit amid signing ten of the summer transfer window

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Leeds United are closing in on the signing of versatile full-back James Justin from Leicester City.

The Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson pairing will add James Justin into the mix, with Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt falling further down Leeds United’s pecking order under Daniel Farke.

Leeds United News revealed exclusively that Justin was a transfer target for Leeds, while we also outlined that Justin’s mentality is to become a Leeds starter over Gudmundsson or Bogle at left or right-back.

However a complication then emerged when Justin was hit by injury for Leicester a week ago. Fortunately for Leeds, Marti Cifuentes explained it was just a dead leg for Justin. Now, it appears he is on the way.

• READ MORE: Leicester in talks to sign player Daniel Farke wanted at Leeds United in 2024, he’d replace Bilal El Khannouss

Isaac Schmidt’s future with James Justin set to join Leeds

Amid Leeds’ interest, Justin was not in Leicester’s lineup against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Now, Leeds have agreed an initial £8 million deal for Justin, with the add-ons of £2 million.

Beren Cross of The Athletic has explained that a medical is booked, too. However, it’s good news for Byram and less so for Schmidt, per Cross’ latest update.

He explains that both Byram and Justin can cover both sides and that ensures Farke will feel well covered as this season unfolds. However, he writes: “Justin’s arrival will mean Schmidt is allowed to seek better opportunities elsewhere.”

Werder Bremen want Leeds’ Schmidt after he only played 78 minutes of league football last season. Leeds had to replace Schmidt with Justin first and the move will unlock Werder Bremen finalising a deal.

Bremen have considered pulling out of the Schmidt deal. However, Cross explains that Leeds’ Premier League status means his situation is not about to improve after a disappointing year lacking minutes.

Cross adds: “He needs to play regularly ahead of next summer’s World Cup and Leeds will not stand in his way now.”

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The Werder Bremen hierarchy’s view of Isaac Schmidt

Leeds Live and Isaac Johnson revealed their view of the situation, with Schmidt also left out of both Premier League matchday squads thus far. He states that the full-back still looks likely to leave on loan amid limited chances of game time.

He adds that there is a World Cup place on the line for the versatile full-back or winger and that the Switzerland international is “yearning for regular minutes” behind the scenes.

Johnson states: “Werder Bremen are interested and their sporting chief says the player has indicated a mutual response.”

Leeds fans think Schmidt has been harshly treated, but it was difficult for Junior Firpo or Bogle to come out when they were fit and performing at the levels they reached in 2024/25.