The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an update on where things currently stand with Leeds United’s ongoing case involving former striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
What’s the story?
During a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport has heard the case (on March 15). Now we wait for a verdict, and the timing of that is solely in the hands of CAS. Leeds can only hope that CAS takes a different view to FIFA, because FIFA pulled no punches in saying they should cough up.”
A big financial hit for Leeds
The Whites stand the prospect of having to shell out the £18m that was allegedly agreed between them and Leipzig over Augustin’s permanent transfer, and that would blow a major hole in their finances, just when they’re looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
At £18m, that kind of fee would actually represent the joint-third highest sum Leeds would pay out for a player, with only the deals for Rio Ferdinand and last summer’s signing Rodrigo costing more – a real indication of just how desperate Radrizzani and the Whites will be not to pay it.
Augustin ended up playing just three times in the Championship, totaling a measly 48 minutes of football for Leeds, scoring no goals and providing no assists – his only outings for the club all came in the month of February, when he featured against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Bristol City.
Given the kind of troubles Jesse Marsch’s side have faced in the Premier League this season, having this dark cloud hang over them is unwelcome to say the least, and certainly would throw a major spanner in the works heading into the summer.
FIFA ruling in favour of Leipzig last year back in June has certainly ramped up the tensions behind-the-scenes at Elland Road, and there will be a worry among the club’s supporters too on the impact of what CAS’ verdict could have.
Should the court dismiss Leeds’ case, and insist on the Whites paying the fee discussed, then it would be a massive financial hit for the club to take.
AND in other news – Forget Joffy: Marsch can get Leeds rocking by finally unleashing “phenomenal” 20 y/o