Leeds loanee striker at crossroads as deal ends
JEAN-KEVIN AUGUSTIN’S Leeds United career has been paused, but whether it is over remains to be seen.
The centre-forward joined on loan from RB Leipzig in January, with an obligation for Leeds to buy the player if they won promotion to the Premier League.
But with Augustin not involved in any of the Whites’ 19-man squads since football returned after the coronavirus lockdown, the loan has not been extended until the end of the season.
With no injury apparently involved, it remains to be seen if Leeds will seek to annul their obligation should they win promotion. Six points clear of the playoff places with six games to play, the Championship leaders remain on course to do that.
Leeds had targeted a centreforward with a proven Championship goal-scoring record to provide cover for Patrick Bamford when Arsenal recalled Eddie
Nketiah midway through his season-long loan.
Leeds were effectively priced out of signing their leading targets, such as Che Adams, Andre Gray and Dwight Gayle, because the prices their Premier League clubs demanded could not be accommodated within financial fair play rules.
Like Nketiah, Augustin struggled to persuade Bielsa he could fit his style of play, and – not helped by injuries – was limited to just 49 minutes of football.
The 23-year-old was said to have worked extremely hard on his fitness during lockdown but when Leeds returned, Bielsa let it be known Augustin was on an individual training programme.
“He’s been training so far without any problems,” announced Bielsa after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town, still refusing to say if the loan would be extended less than a couple of hours before it was due to expire.
Leeds may hope that after his lack of game time, Augustin tells
Leipzig he is unwilling to move to Elland Road.
A lack of a reliable goal-scorer has been a real issue for Leeds this season, though such has been the quality of their play, it may not stop them winning the title.
Leeds are committed to making Heldar Costa’s loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers permanent this summer but promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years will transform their finances, even in these uncertain times.