Darmstadt signs former Bremen player Schmidt from France - Niklas Schmidt joins SV Darmstadt 98 on loan to revive his injury-hit career
Niklas Schmidt has signed for SV Darmstadt 98 on loan from Toulouse FC. The 22-year-old midfielder trained with his new team for the first time on Wednesday. He arrives with experience in both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, though his recent career advice has been disrupted by injury.
Schmidt began his career at SV Werder Bremen, rising through the youth system before making his Bundesliga debut at just 18. He later moved to Toulouse in 2023, but his progress stalled when he suffered a serious ACL injury in January 2024.
His connection to Darmstadt runs deeper than just this transfer. He previously worked with the club’s sporting director, Paul Fernie, during a loan spell at SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Schmidt also knows head coach Florian Kohfeldt from their time together at Werder Bremen. Fernie has described the new arrival as a 'true creative player', best suited to attacking midfield but also capable of playing centrally. Schmidt himself called his first impressions of the club 'fantastic' and spoke of his excitement at joining the team.
The loan move gives Schmidt a chance to rebuild his career advice after injury. Darmstadt gains a versatile midfielder with top-flight experience and familiarity with key staff. His arrival strengthens the squad as they prepare for the season ahead.
