Leeds United are closing in on the signing of James Justin from Leicester City, and that was expected to mean a current Leeds player would join Max Wober in the Bundesliga.
Daniel Farke has been keen to bring in a new full-back despite the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson as a replacement for Junior Firpo, and handing Sam Byram a new one-year contract until the summer of 2026.
Justin’s ability to provide cover on both flanks means Leeds are now well-stocked, with Byram also able to play as a right-back or a left-back. Leeds are closing in on the signing of Justin from Leicester for £10m.
That deal was expected to see Isaac Schmidt go on loan to Werder Bremen. The deal had been in place for a while, but Farke had opted to keep Schmidt until a full-back was signed. Now, Schmidt is in limbo.
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty ImagesLeeds player Isaac Schmidt left in limbo as Werder make move
According to the latest reports from Germany, Max Wober’s new side Werder Bremen are set to sign a different full-back. Deich Stube claim Werder Bremen are set to sign Southampton’s Yukinari Sugawara.
A loan deal has been agreed for the Japan international and a move is set to go through in the next few hours. Sugawara, signed for £6m from AZ in 2024, is keen on a move to retain his 2026 World Cup place.
A return to one of Europe’s top leagues means he will do that. But Sugawara’s move to Werder means the German club have sorted out the need for a full-back, with Sugawara also able to play on either flank.
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesThe reason Isaac Schmidt will be desperate to leave Leeds
It just has not happened for Schmidt at Elland Road. Less than 100 minutes of league action last season, Schmidt never got a look in and only made a few substitute appearances in the league towards the end.
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But the main reason Schmidt will be desperate to leave is because he has been called up to Switzerland’s last two National Team camps. With the 2026 World Cup looming into view, he needs to be playing.
With a week to go in the transfer window, the expectation that Schmidt would join Werder Bremen after Leeds sign a full-back has been thrown out. He needs to find a club, or face playing for the Under-21s.