Pundit critical of Leeds United loanee Jean-Kevin Augustin

Jo Harrison

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has slammed Jean-Kevin Augustin – and believes the loan forward is ‘under trial’ after a below-par start to his Elland Road career.

The 22-year-old joined the Whites in the January transfer window on loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig – but is yet to hit the ground running in the Championship.

One of two January signings and glamoured with European pedigree and an eye for goal, Augustin’s arrival excited many Leeds’ fans as Marcelo Bielsa finally captured his man, but the Frenchman’s three substitute appearances and lack of fitness have hampered the club’s attacking options in their bid for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

 

Augustin began his career with Paris-Saint Germain, but failed to make an impression behind the favourable options of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani – resulting in a move to RB Leipzig in 2017.

The forward flourished under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in his breakthrough season, scoring his first goal in a 2-2 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Red Bull Arena – going on to score 12 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.

An eventual loan move to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco was short-lived after his loan spell was cut short to join Bielsa’s side in the January transfer window, with the obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Though, speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Whites goalkeeper Robinson was quick to criticise the talented forward.

“His career has been stop-start for a long time. He went to RB Leipzig and they framed him out on loan to Monaco.

“He’s got a lot to prove and I’d say that between now and the end of the season he’s on trial for his career at Leeds.

“Should Leeds sign him on a permanent deal? It depends what league we’re in and how fit he gets himself between now and the end of the season.”

 

 

With Leeds United top of the table in the Championship and facing a tough trip to Cardiff City on Sunday – Bielsa will be hoping the firepower of top scorer Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts can provide enough ammunition in the absence of Augustin – who remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in a training session.

The Leeds faithful will be hoping the Frenchman can kick-start his career at Elland Road, with undoubted talent and a nuisance for defenders – Augustin has all the traits to become Bielsa’s main man next season in the Premier League.