Journalist Phil Hay has provided some details about Jean-Kevin Augustin and his recent move to Nantes.
Leeds United-oriented journalist Hay discussed multiple issues involving the Elland Road-based outfit on the latest episode of ‘The Phil Hay Show’. Hay provided some insight into the situation of Augustin and he said that the Frenchman was ‘nobody’s player’ at one point and he is waiting for FIFA to give him more details about the striker’s situation.
Augustin had joined Leeds on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2020 but the Whites decided against the idea of extending his loan spell beyond 30th June. However, Leipzig believed that they were owed a transfer fee for the player as there was an agreement for a permanent deal if the Whites got promoted to the Premier League. While the player has now joined Nantes on a free transfer, a legal battle appears to be on the cards involving Leipzig and Leeds.
Hay gave some insight into this situation, saying: “You’re in this bizarre situation where, at the tail-end of the window, he was essentially nobody’s player. Leipzig didn’t want him and said as far as they were concerned, from the point where Leeds United were promoted, Augustin was a Leeds player. Leeds were saying he was nothing to do with them and as far as they were concerned, he wasn’t signing for them.”
Were Leeds right to not sign Augustin?
Yes
No
He continued: “I’m still waiting for FIFA to come back to me on this, to clarify exactly what’s happened and exactly where we’re at. But from what we’re told, they’ve essentially sanctioned this move. The paperwork has been processed by Nantes; it’s been approved by FIFA, I gather. Because effectively, he was going to be left without a club. He’s been training in France, training in Paris, in gyms and parks alone through the summer. Ever since leaving Leeds at the end of his loan, he hasn’t trained with them, he hasn’t trained with Leipzig. He’s essentially been estranged.”
TIF Thoughts…
Augustin had suffered injury issues during his stint at Elland Road and made just three substitute appearances for the club. He didn’t score a single goal in the 48 minutes he earned for the Leeds first team.
So it is understandable why the Whites didn’t opt to keep him at the club and decided to part ways with the Frenchman. There clearly seems to be confusion regarding his situation, and perhaps it is best to wait and see if the clubs sort out any legal issues or if FIFA gets involved.