Leeds United full-back Isaac Schmidt is set to leave for game time elsewhere, hoping for an opportunity to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Euro 2024 quarter finalists Switzerland.
Leeds United signed the 25-year-old last summer for a fee in the region of €3m from two-time first division Swiss champions FC. St Gallen 79, hoping to improve their depth at full-back.
As Leeds United gained automatic promotion to the Premier League, Schmidt didn’t have much involvement for the side as he managed to play just 71 minutes across 12 Championship games and started two Emirates FA Cup games, playing 180 minutes.
Swiss newspaper Blick have comments from Schmidt’s agent Baykal Bellusci which heavily hint at a Leeds United exit.
Bellusci said it’s important to look at international opportunities rather than financials for Schmidt, as he looks ahead to a starting position at the World Cup.
Schmidt has played three international matches for Switzerland with all those matches being friendlies. The 25-year-old started two of those friendlies, against the United States and Northern Ireland.
Making it clear that he’s nudging the exit door open, Bellusci said: “Isaac played as a left-back for a long time, and we discussed with the club that there was a larger market for the right-back position. The decision to switch Isaac to the right led to the transfer and his call-up to the national team.
“He has developed, matured as a player, and proven himself with the national team. In a World Cup year, the top priority shouldn’t be to focus on finances. Instead, it’s all about one thing: Where can I play the most games to prove myself? I’m convinced we’ll find a very good solution for him this summer.”
