This summer saw Leeds United let a number of players go as Daniel Farke shaped his ideal squad for the Premier League. Only two players left the club on a permanent deal.
The German made some bold decisions in pre-season. Fans were especially shocked when Farke chose to leave Patrick Bamford out of his plans for this season. The veteran striker eventually left the club after a mutual termination of his contract. And an even more surprising decision was to reintegrate Jack Harrison after his absence over the last two seasons.
Isaac Schmidt, Largie Ramazani, Max Wober and Mateo Joseph were some of the names that left on loan during the transfer window. Almost all of them were not in Farke’s plans this season.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
Isaac Schmidt set for increased first team role
Isaac Schmidt Credit: Imago
Schmidt and Wober both ended up at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. Both players were in search of first team action after barely playing last season. Wober got his deal early in the summer, but there was a delay when it came to Schmidt. The fullback was not allowed to leave until Leeds found a replacement. The Whites had to sign James Justin before letting Schmidt go.
The 25-year old has only played in four games for the German club this season. But he is set for a major role after a huge development. Bremen defender Felix Agu has a major ankle injury with BILD saying he is ‘out for several months’, ruling him out for the rest of the year. Isaac Schmidt is now set to become the club’s first choice fullback in that position.
Defender may not return to Leeds United soon
With James Justin joining on a permanent deal, there might be no need for Schmidt to return next summer. And the injury now provides him a chance at real first team action. He now gets a chance to play and increase his value to earn a move from Leeds. Schmidt’s World Cup hopes could be alive if he continues to perform well – he has already scored a goal this season.
Leeds could also benefit from this if they get a permanent sell in the summer.
