Leeds set to learn fate over 48 minutes that could cost €21m
Reports in Germany claim a decision will be made this week on whether Leeds United are required to pay RB Leipzig compensation for striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
The saga over whether the Whites were in breach of contract over the 23-year-old has been dragging on for some time. It stems from the former France Under-21 star’s loan spell at Elland Road. Having spent the first half of 2019-2020 on loan with Monaco, he moved to West Yorkshire in January 2020.
The Whites reportedly had the option to sign him permanently for £17.7 million. However, it later emerged that Leeds were ‘obliged’ to sign him on a permanent deal if they achieved promotion that season.
Marcelo Biela duly led his charges to the English top flight after the conclusion of the Covid-interrupted season. But, having played just 48 minutes of Championship football, Augustin was sent back to Leipzig.
Arguments began over why the forward had not remained in the north of England. Leeds countered by stating the clause only came into effect if they were promoted by June 30.
And the truncated campaign meant his loan deal had expired by the time promotion was finally achieved on July 17. The Bundesliga outfit were not amused and it was confirmed in December last year they had filed a claim against Leeds.
The matter is still unresolved but RBlive.de (via Sport Witness) say FIFA will now rule on the case and give a verdict by the end of the week. It is said that both clubs will be informed of the ruling by June 7 – 8 at the latest.
Jury out on Augustin
Augustin joined French club Nantes in October 2020 but has played just 33 minutes of league football. He contracted coronavirus in November and it was revealed in March this year that he was suffering from Long Covid.
The youngster struggled with injuries while at Leeds and his true potential is still unknown. The Frenchman made 31 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Leipzig but has never been a regular scorer.
There were rumours about his attitude while playing under Bielsa. Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford was scathing about the Parisian’s time with the club.
He suggested that Augustin was lazy in training and did not follow his manager’s instructions.
It will soon be learnt if they need to fork out the €21m owed for a player who made little contribution. But any decision could be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, further delaying a final ruling.
READ MORE: Kalvin Phillips admits Leeds were blown away by Liverpool man at Anfield
The post Leeds set to learn fate over 48 minutes that could cost €21m appeared first on TEAMtalk.