Sold defender sends message to Leeds United after wobbly Elland Road spell

Isaac Schmidt says he will always remember Leeds United’s “unbelievable” fanbase as he looks to start afresh at native Swiss club Young Boys.

Schmidt has completed a permanent exit from Leeds, having spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen. The left-back was used as a fringe player during the 2024/25 title-winning Championship season and feared for his World Cup chances as a result.

The 26-year-old pursued a move to Germany after Switzerland national team boss Murat Yakin privately informed him he would be on the plane if he secured regular game time. However, Schmidt started just six times for Bremen, playing 676 minutes overall - the equivalent of just over seven full matches.

The defender - who arrived from St Gallen in 2024 - had made every Swiss squad in 2025 but the five-cap full-back was left out of March’s camp and was subsequently not taken to the World Cup, where his country reached the quarter-finals.

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A frustrating year has ultimately seen Leeds and the player agree to part ways, with Schmidt ending his Elland Road stay with just 14 appearances and no league starts, albeit exiting with a Championship title winners’ medal.

The 26-year-old has admitted that the past two years “haven’t been easy” but has now delivered a farewell to Leeds colleagues and fans. Taking to Instagram, Schmidt wrote: “Dear Leeds United, team-mates and staff.

“I will never forget those moments of pure emotions we had together, great team spirit on and off the pitch, with our unbelievable fans. I wish you all the best for the future. You will always be remembered. MOT.”

Schmidt becomes the second sale of the window, following Pascal Struijk’s £18m move to Brighton & Hove Albion.