Leeds United are on the hunt for a full-back that can play on both sides, but one potential option that could join the club could now end up facing Daniel Farke’s side on the opening day.
Isaac Schmidt is expected to leave Leeds this summer. The versatile full-back was afforded less than 100 minutes of league action last season, and promotion is only expected to see Schmidt’s game time reduce.
Schmidt is being strongly linked with Max Wober’s Werder Bremen. But with Jayden Bogle currently out injured, Schmidt started for Leeds on Saturday. Daniel Farke said he is concerned by Bogle’s injury.
Of course, Schmidt has become a Switzerland international over the last 12 months and will need time to prove he is worthy of a place in Switzerland’s World Cup squad, ahead of next summer’s tournament.
Leeds need a full-back, ahead of the opener against Everton. The Whites have been linked with Leicester City’s James Justin, while Lyon’s England international Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been offered to Leeds.
Leeds target could end up facing Farke’s men on August 18
It is unclear if Leeds want Maitland-Niles, but LeedsUnited.News understands the former Arsenal man has been offered to Leeds as a potential signing. After a few loans while at Arsenal, he joined Lyon in 2023.
He has resurrected his career in France, with 14 goals and assists in 73 Lyon games. Leeds could well sign the versatile ace, but TeamTalk say that Everton are keen on signing Maitland-Niles before the deadline.
Angus Kinnear’s new team, typically, face Leeds in the opening round of fixtures as The Whites welcome David Moyes’ side to Elland Road on August 18. Maitland-Niles then, could face Leeds in an Everton shirt.
What else do Leeds need before the end of the window?
Just 15 days separate now and the first Premier League game of the season for Leeds and there is plenty to be done. The Whites remain on the hunt for a starting striker, and a winger to replace Manor Solomon.
Igor Paixao and Rodrigo Muniz looked likely at one stage, perhaps not so much now. Paixao has gone to Marseille, while Newcastle want Muniz. A full-back to cover Schmidt will also be a priority for Leeds.
Beren Cross thinks Leeds want four, naming a striker, winger and a full-back as three potential signings. Cross also thinks Leeds will still want to sign a no.10 this summer, after Brenden Aaronson’s poor season.
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