“‘Technically Too Strong’: Isaac Schmidt Endorses £7m Friend for Leeds United Move”

For a young player aiming to make a strong impression on the first team after just one outing with the Under-21s, nerves are natural.

 

However, Alvyn Sanches’ excitement isn’t just about his potential international debut in front of an entire nation.

 

Over the next few days, the Lausanne Sport talisman will be under scrutiny from all directions.

 

The media, who have already labeled him as one of the brightest Swiss prospects of his generation, will be watching closely.

 

So will his new Switzerland teammates, who expect him to showcase not only his footballing ability but also his musical skills as part of his initiation ritual.

 

Sanches has already decided on his song of choice, leaning toward a track by French rapper Tiakola. But the young playmaker prefers to let his football do the talking—or, in this case, the singing—on the pitch.

 

This summer, Leeds United have expressed serious interest in signing him, with the 21-year-old valued at around £7 million.

 

Sanches is among several options being considered for the number ten role, alongside Emi Buendia, Eduard Spertsyan, and Viktoria Plzen’s Pavel Sulc.

 

If he chooses Elland Road as his next destination, he will reunite with a familiar face—someone he has already crossed paths with more than once this year.

 

Isaac Schmidt and Alvyn Sanches: A Longstanding Connection

Sanches is one of several players hoping to earn their first senior caps under Murat Yakin in Switzerland’s upcoming fixtures against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

 

Another name on that list is Isaac Schmidt, a 25-year-old full-back who has also made his way into the national squad.

 

Schmidt and Sanches go way back. They were teammates in Lausanne Sport’s academy before their careers took different paths.

 

While Sanches remained at the club to establish himself as one of the Swiss league’s brightest talents, Schmidt ventured elsewhere.

 

After spending four seasons at St. Gallen, Schmidt secured a move to Leeds United last summer in a £2.5 million transfer.

 

Speaking to Blick, Schmidt recalled his first encounter with Sanches, dating back to their childhood days.

 

“The first time I saw Alvyn, I must have been around 10 or 11 years old,” Schmidt reminisced.

 

“I was playing for the Lausanne Sport Under-13s, and we decided to play a two-on-ten match against some neighborhood kids. We thought we would win easily, maybe 10-0.

 

“But there was one kid on the opposing team—someone I didn’t know at the time. He had braids, and he must have been 7 or 8 years old. That was Alvyn. And he was already incredible! Technically, he was just too strong.”

 

Fifteen years later, the natural talent that made Sanches stand out at such a young age continues to shine in the professional game.

 

His dazzling solo run and clinical finish against Yverdon Sport perfectly illustrated his unique skill set.

 

In all competitions this season, the attacking midfielder has tallied 15 goals and four assists, further cementing his reputation as one of Switzerland’s most promising young talents.

 

Sanches’ Versatility Makes Him an Attractive Prospect

 

Reports suggest that English clubs, including Leeds, have been drawn to Sanches not only for his technical ability but also for his versatility.

 

His capacity to operate across multiple positions in attack makes him a valuable asset.

 

“I like to have fun on the pitch, playing with the ball,” Sanches said when asked about his style of play. “Of course, I’m here to experience the national team setup, but I also want to show what I can do.”

 

Ludovic Magnin, Lausanne Sport’s head coach, has already confirmed that Sanches intends to leave the club this summer.

 

Meanwhile, his agent has emphasized that the player will only move to a club with a ‘concrete project’ in place.

 

Following in Raphinha’s Footsteps?

 

Like many ambitious young players, Sanches dreams of playing for Barcelona one day. However, he recognizes that reaching such an elite level requires a well-planned route.

 

A move to England could be the ideal stepping stone. He has seen how Raphinha, who initially joined Leeds before securing a move to Barcelona, used the Premier League as a platform to showcase his abilities.

 

Now, the Brazilian is one of the top wingers in world football.

 

Sanches is determined to take a similarly measured approach to his career progression.

 

“Above all, the most important thing, more than the country, is the club’s project,” he explained. “It’s important not to rush.

 

I need to find a club that is the right fit—not too high, not too low—where I can play regularly, develop, and enjoy myself.”

 

For now, Barcelona remains a dream. The immediate focus is on proving himself at the international level and making a calculated next move—one that could potentially see him follow the same path that helped Raphinha reach the top.