Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross has been discussing Jean-Kevin Augustin during a recent Q&A session with a group of the club’s supporters.
The Frenchman joined the Whites back in January on loan from RB Leipzig but managed to play a total of just 48 minutes (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).
The Bundesliga club say Leeds United’s promotion to the Premier League triggered a clause in the loan deal meaning that the Yorkshire-based club are now obligated to buy the player for £18m this summer (as per The Daily Mail).
According to the report, the Whites are claiming that the clause expired on July 1 and therefore they are not obligated to complete the permanent signing of the player. Cross was asked to describe the situation by a fan, to which he responded:
‘Messy. It is understood Leeds do not want to spend more than £20m on a striker who didn’t clear many hurdles under Bielsa. Augustin may not take much persuading to look elsewhere either. While Leipzig want the money they were promised in January. It’s a contract bound to be pulled apart by lawyers and dealt with that way. Could go either way. Season dates changing may favour Leeds.’
Are you confident Leeds will find a way out of the clause?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
Given the little impact Augustin had during his initial spell at Elland Road you can understand why the club are looking for a way out of spending the £18m. Although the expiration date on the clause was July 1, which was prior to Leeds being promoted back to the Premier League, it is unclear what the outcome may be once the legal professionals have had their say on the matter.