Leeds United’s recruitment department is considerably bigger now than it ever was under Andrea Radrizzani.
Radrizzani effectively had the much maligned Victor Orta working on transfers as a lone wolf. 49ers Enterprises quickly recognised that was a mistake.
As such, within a matter of months of their full takeover, Leeds‘ recruitment team had received a major revamp. Gretar Steinsson, Jordan Miles and Nick Hammond all now work closely with Daniel Farke.
This summer was actually their first ever window together as a trio. Only time will tell whether it will prove a success, though Angus Kinnear did hint at some tension behind-the-scenes, which he says is normal.
Unlike last summer when Leeds targeted predominantly the domestic market, they went all across Europe to find new signings this time around. There is, of course, more risk attached with those deals due to players having to settle into a different country and league.
How long Leeds were scouting Isaac Schmidt before transfer
The majority of Leeds’ work in the transfer market came in the final eight days. This was after key trio Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter had been sold.
Leeds raised over £100 million through the sales of those three, but due to P&S rules, spent only a fraction of that on replacements.
Due to how expensive the English market can be, that is why Leeds went abroad. One of the new signings that was brought in was Isaac Schmidt.
Schmidt has certainly arrived as an unknown quantity for Leeds fans, but according to Leeds Live, that was not the case behind-the-scenes.
It is said Leeds had actually been tracking Schmidt for ‘several months’ prior to making their move, once it became clear full-back cover was needed.
Despite never playing in a league as strong as the Championship, Leeds’ recruitment department must be confident he can settle quickly. Schmidt’s versatility should help him do that.
Schmidt says ‘difficult journey’ led him to Leeds
With Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo first choice, Schmidt is going to have to be patient. Daniel Farke has claimed he will be an ‘important squad player’, but needs time to adapt.
That said, Schmidt has been through this before. 24 is actually quite a late age in the modern game for players to get their big moves.
Speaking in an interview with Leeds Live, Schmidt says it has been a long journey to get to where he is now. As such, it shows he has the right attitude.
He said: “I was so happy. A lot of people know where I come from. I had a really difficult journey in my career, even in my youth.
“To have a club like Leeds to come for me was a really great achievement already. When they came, it was clear for me I have to make everything to go there.”
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