Leeds United are expected to complete the signings of at least two players on deadline day and one of those could end up costing The 49ers a bigger fee than required to sign Wilfried Gnonto.
Since Daniel Farke outlined his desire for four new players, Leeds have brought in Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani. A full-back and a midfielder are also required by Leeds before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Ao Tanaka is expected to be announced by Leeds at midday, while Isaac Schmidt is also at Leeds and said to be doing a medical ahead of a move from St. Gallen. Schmidt played for St. Gallen on Thursday night.
It sees Leeds sort a midfielder and a full-back and while there is hope of another attacking signing, there is a pessimism at Leeds over a £10m move for Roland Sallai. Now, details of Schmidt’s move have arrived.
Swiss report details how much Leeds could pay for Isaac Schmidt
On Thursday night, Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger said that Leeds would pay an initial £2.5m to land Schmidt plus add-ons. A bargain for a player that has had a hand in 17 goals in 108 St. Gallen games.
Now, a report from Swiss outlet Blick says Leeds could end up paying a £4.6m fee to land Schmidt should all of the add-ons be met by the player and indeed Leeds as a club, including Leeds gaining promotion.
Berger’s initial claim of £2.5m upfront may remain true, but Blick say that it could now exceed Wilfried Gnonto’s £4.5m fee if Leeds get promoted and Schmidt plays regularly with an appearance fee included.
Schmidt scores for St. Gallen as Swiss side beat Turkish outfit
Despite initial reports of a move to Leeds emerging on Thursday, Schmidt chose to play one last game for St. Gallen in what was a crucial Europa Conference League clash against Turkish side Trabzonspor.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Schmidt popped up from right-back to curl home a gorgeous goal with his left foot. Schmidt played an hour as the game ended 1-1 and went to penalties, St. Gallen winning.
After the full-time whistle and penalty-shootout win, Schmidt’s St. Gallen teammates paying tribute to the the versatile defender. Now, he is expected to become a Leeds player before the deadline on Friday night.
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