Jean-Kevin Augustin gamble fails as Leeds come to major decision

Leeds United loan signing Jean-Kevin Augustin is expected to return to RB Leipzig this week.

The French striker was United’s big-name recruit in the January transfer window, signing on loan from the Bundesliga side. His transfer included the option to sign in a permanent £18m deal. On top of the £2m loan fee Leeds paid Leipzig, that would have made him their record signing.

But fitness issues have severely hampered Augustin‘s spell at Elland Road. Indeed, Augustin has managed just three substitute appearances for the club, totally 49 minutes. He is yet to score for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

It was hoped the break in the season would help the former PSG striker get up to speed and allow him to aid their promotion push. However, just a week before Project Restart, Augustin damaged his hamstring again.

His initial loan deal at Elland Road expired on June 30 and Leeds, it is understood, have not asked Leipzig for an extension.

That news was confirmed as such by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who tweeted: “It is my understanding it [his loan] won’t be extended.”

Bielsa was asked for clarification following Tuesday’s frustrating 1-1 draw at home to basement boys Luton Town.

However, Leeds boss Bielsa was giving little away, saying only: “At the moment I have nothing to form on this. Training so far without any problem.

“It’s a decision we will communicate when we take it.”

Leeds are, however, expected to confirm in the coming days that Augustin has returned to Leipzig and they have decided against signing him permanently.

It’s a far cry from the promise Augustin made to Leeds upon signing in January, saying he was “ready to die for the club”.

“I had one or two clubs who were interested in me, but when I was making my decision I didn’t want to go to a club just for the sake of it,” said Augustin.

 

 

“I wanted to go somewhere where I was going to play, get minutes and have clear aims and objectives.

“It wasn’t a case of turning down other clubs – you mentioned Manchester United. It wasn’t a case of turning them down, it was just the fact I had already made my decision.

“I decided for me, as a player and a person, the best project was provided by Leeds United. That’s what I wanted to do, I had decided already.”

 

Whelan was against Augustin signing

Doubts over Augustin’s permanent signing were first raised by BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan.

After watching the 22-year-old struggle during his first few months at Elland Road, Whelan has questioned whether the striker is worth the money Leeds would have pay to tie him up to a long-term contract.

Jean-Kevin Augustin

In an interview with Football Insider, Whelan said: “To put the money on the table is a risk, if he is going to be the record signing he needs to make a difference straight away.

“At the minute he has not made any difference and he has not been a part of this promotion push.

“He has had 55 minutes maximum and even with that he was fighting himself – his fitness and form. To be honest he was trying too hard.

“If we get him into a good frame of mind and the fitness we expect… We could have a real gem.”

Bielsa, meanwhile, has discussed his frustrations following Tuesday’s draw with Luton Town. Read more here.