Leeds United poised for transfer move on European target ahead of deadline day.

According to the Swiss outlet Blick, Leeds United are targeting a versatile full-back as an option on the final day of the transfer window.

The player in question is seen as a potential solution to Leeds’ need for more depth at the left-back position.

It’s well known that manager Daniel Farke is seeking additional competition for the left-back role, as Junior Firpo is currently the only senior specialist in that position.

Sam Byram has filled in as left-back for much of the 2023/24 season, but with Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton leaving the club last term, and Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, and Connor Roberts also departing, Leeds are short on full-back options.

Given that Firpo is the sole left-footed full-back on Leeds’ roster, this lack of depth is a clear concern for Farke and the club.

While Max Wöber may remain at the club and Pascal Struijk has occasionally filled in as a left-back, a dedicated specialist would allow them to maintain their preferred central roles as center-backs.

Recent reports suggest that Leeds are unlikely to sign AFC Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons this summer, according to Graeme Bailey.

Aarons has a history with Farke from their time together at Norwich City, and Farke is reportedly keen on reuniting with him.

However, Bailey revealed to Leeds United News that Bournemouth is unlikely to release Aarons unless they receive a substantial offer.

Leeds made an attempt to sign Aarons last summer, but he ultimately chose Bournemouth over them.

Another potential option surfaced yesterday when Dutch media outlet ad.nl reported that Leeds were considering Ajax’s Owen Wijndal ahead of Friday’s 11 pm deadline.

However, Graham Smyth later clarified that Leeds are not pursuing the 24-year-old.

Leeds United are now targeting left-back Isaac Schmidt as a potential signing.

Given the current situation, any back-up left-back Leeds signs would need to be content with playing second fiddle to Firpo, filling in when needed during the long 46-game league season.

Despite setbacks, Leeds have not abandoned the idea of signing a left-back this summer. Schmidt is the latest player linked with a move to Elland Road.

The 24-year-old has been with St. Gallen since 2022 and has two years remaining on his contract.

According to Blick, Schmidt is a top target for Leeds, who are reportedly prepared to pay a multi-million transfer fee for the Swiss defender in the final days of the transfer window.

Although Schmidt is on Leeds’ radar, he has already made eight appearances for St. Gallen this season across all competitions and is a key player for the team, which finished fifth in the Swiss Super League last season.

Like Byram, Schmidt is versatile enough to play on either side of the defense, primarily operating as a left-back despite being right-footed.

This versatility means he could serve as a backup for both Firpo and Jayden Bogle.

Leeds’ need for a left-back stems from their reliance on Firpo, who is an attacking full-back.

With Schmidt potentially joining the squad, both he and Firpo could expect regular playing time.

However, Schmidt’s versatility could also see him cover both full-back positions in case of injury or rotation needs, providing competition for Byram, who has had his own injury troubles.

A left-footed option would still provide more balance, allowing Byram and Bogle to cover one side while Firpo and another player cover the opposite side.

Schmidt’s speed and stamina would offer a different dynamic compared to Byram if he joins the team.

Although he is right-footed, Schmidt has spent much of his career at left-back, suggesting he could be well-suited to a role that requires maintaining width, even on his weaker side.

Firpo is already effective at stretching the pitch and providing overlapping runs, and Schmidt could complement this style of play if needed.