Leeds United transfer exit's honest 'hasn't been easy' admission as new club role laid bare

Leeds United exit Isaac Schmidt hopes to drag new club BSC Young Boys out of a disappointing couple of years - having endured a difficult time himself.

Schmidt’s permanent move to the Swiss Super League outfit was confirmed on Thursday morning, with the full-back signing a four-year contract. The YEP understands Leeds have received £2million for the 26-year-old, ensuring they have not lost any book value on the £2.5m signing from 2024.

A four-year contract was also signed when Schmidt joined Leeds but 12 Championship appearances in 2024/25 all came from the bench, with two starts coming in the FA Cup. The Swiss international spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen but failed to do enough to convince the Bundesliga club to trigger a permanent option.

Schmidt joins a Young Boys side with great recent history in Switzerland but one that, like himself, has struggled over the past two campaigns. After winning six league titles in seven years between 2017 and 2024, the Bern-based club finished third in 2024/25 before dropping to sixth last season - their lowest ebb since 2013.

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"The goal has to be to achieve great things,” Schmidt said following confirmation of his move. “I know it hasn't been easy the last two years but I'm convinced the team has great quality and will show its best side in the new season. I want to contribute the experience I've gained in England and Germany and also be a support for the younger players in the squad."

An issue for Schmidt at Leeds was his inability to convince Daniel Farke he could be relied upon at full-back, instead seeing out the final minutes of games in a more attacking position. The former St Gallen man is naturally a defender but versatile enough to play across multiple positions.

At loan club Werder Bremen, Schmidt was at least able to play at full-back for the majority of his 19 Bundesliga appearances, six of which were starts. Young Boys are signing Schmidt to play in his natural position.

“Isaac Schmidt is a dynamic and hungry full-back who is reliable defensively and likes to get involved in the attack,” Christoph Spycher, Chief Sports Officer at Young Boys, said. “Our plans see him playing on the right side, even though Isaac Schmidt can play in various positions.”

Technical director Mathieu Beda added: “We are delighted to welcome Isaac Schmidt, who will be a great addition to our game with his footballing qualities and energy. The fact that he was called up to the Swiss national team nine times in 2025 and made five appearances speaks volumes about his potential.”