Paul Fernie: “With Niklas, we’re getting an absolute creative player whom we primarily plan to use in attacking midfield, but who can also be deployed flexibly in central midfield. It’s a special situation that both Flo and I have already worked with Niklas and therefore know his particular qualities very well. He’s a technically gifted and very intelligent combination player who can create decisive moments. We’re happy that we were able to find a solution together with Niklas and FC Toulouse to make this loan transfer happen.”
Niklas Schmidt: “I immediately had a very good feeling when I heard about Darmstadt’s interest. The team plays attractive football and I believe that my style of play fits very well with this philosophy. My first impressions of my teammates and today’s training session were excellent and I can hardly wait to pull on the Lilies‘ jersey for the first time.”
Schmidt was developed in the youth academy of SV Werder Bremen and made his Bundesliga debut for the club in September 2016 at the age of 18. Between 2018 and 2021, the ambidextrous midfielder played on loan for SV Wehen Wiesbaden and VfL Osnabrück. With SVWW, Schmidt celebrated promotion to the 2. Bundesliga and contributed significantly to this success with 16 scorer points. For Osnabrück, the native of Hesse made 51 appearances (47 in the 2. Bundesliga), contributing nine goals and assists. Schmidt returned to Werder for the 2021/22 season and played in 25 2. Bundesliga matches (eight goal and assists) during Bremen’s promotion campaign. The following year, Schmidt made 24 Bundesliga appearances and scored three goals. For the 2023/24 season, the former junior international moved to FC Toulouse in Ligue 1. Schmidt made a total of 39 competitive appearances for the French club and celebrated his comeback after an injury break on January 10th of this year.
Schmidt will wear the number 31 jersey for Darmstadt.
