Leipzig threaten legal action against Leeds as Augustin saga deepens

Jean-Kevin Augustin Leeds United

RB Leipzig will reportedly take legal action against Leeds United if they refuse to take up the purchase clause that the German side believes still stands in Jean-Kevin Augustin’s loan deal.

Reliable reports on Tuesday claimed Augustin would be returning to Leipzig upon the expiration of his Elland Road spell.

However, the striker will depart without it being clear whether the automatic purchase clause in the deal will be activated.

The Whites agreed to the loan on the condition of purchasing Augustin outright in the event of promotion. Indeed, the pause in the season has meant the situation will become clearer only after the expiry date of June 30.

As such, Foot Mercato claims Leipzig believe the purchase clause remains active with the season yet to finish.

And Kicker adds that, should Leeds attempt to discard the permanent move, Leipzig will begin legal proceedings.

Marcelo Bielsa‘s side chose not to extend Augustin’s loan partly due to his fitness issues. The forward managed three substitute appearances, totalling 49 minutes, and did not score.

What’s more, just a week before Project Restart, Augustin damaged his hamstring again.

 

However, Leeds’ intentions further down the line remain unclear. Bielsa refused to comment on the situation, promising a response in time.

In any case, Leipzig will return to paying Augustin’s wages until the situation becomes clearer. The France Under-21 international has two years left on his deal in Germany.

LEEDS’ TOUGH ROAD TO PROMOTION?

Marcelo Bielsa Leeds United TEAMtalk

Leeds were in impressive form before the coronavirus shutdown, winning five straight games without conceding a goal.

However, since returning they have lost to play-off hopefuls Cardiff and drawn to relegation-threatened Luton.

Having said that, a strong 3-0 win over promotion rivals Fulham either side of those results strengthened the Whites’ promotion bid.

Bielsa’s side sit a point clear of West Brom at the top of the Championship table and six ahead of third-placed Brentford.