‘Leeds make Isaac Schmidt decision amid Vladimir Coufal developments’
Leeds United have decided on Isaac Schmidt’s future as they eye a move for former West Ham right-back Vladimir Coufal.
Coufal made 180 appearances for the Hammers after joining from Slavia Prague back in 2020, and is available on a free transfer this summer.
Meanwhile, Leeds right-back Isaac Schmidt struggled for game time under Daniel Farke last season, failing to make a Championship start.
Farke instead favoured former Sheffield United man Jayden Bogle, who repaid the German’s faith in him by notching six goals and four assists in the second tier.
Leeds United will sell Schmidt if they sign Coufal
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Leeds are in the race to sign Coufal alongside fellow newly promoted clubs Burnley and Sunderland, as well as established Premier League sides Everton, Wolves, and Fulham.
If the Whites acquire the former West Ham man, that would leave Farke with three right-backs at his disposal thanks to the presence of Bogle and Schmidt.
But as the Elland Road club look to strengthen their ranks in all areas, Leeds want to sign Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham.
To sign such talent, though, Farke will have to part company with some of his current assets ahead of next season’s Premier League.
Schmidt is seemingly an obvious candidate for a Leeds departure, as the potential addition of Coufal would push him further down the pecking order in West Yorkshire.
Coufal and Bogle could hand Farke healthy competition
As the Championship title-winners look to bridge the gap between the second tier and the Premier League, they must add top-flight experience to their ranks.
| Jayden Bogle stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 4 |
Premier League know-how is an asset that Coufal boasts in abundance, while he also helped West Ham win the Conference League in 2023.
But while the 32-year-old would add quality to Farke’s side, Bogle would rightfully feel hard done by if the Czechia international immediately ousted his starting berth after the 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar Championship campaign.
As a duo, though, Coufal and Bogle could hand the Whites boss healthy competition among his ranks, while both players have differing strengths.
The argument could be made that the former West Ham man would be an ideal asset for Leeds in fixtures against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, in which defensive solidity is paramount.
On the other hand, Bogle’s attacking qualities could help the West Yorkshire side earn vital wins against potential relegation candidates like Sunderland.
Meanwhile, speaking to MOT Leeds News, Paul Robinson tipped Largie Ramazani to leave Elland Road.