Out of court settlement on cards for Leeds United and Jean-Kevin Augustin – Finance Expert
We’re delighted to welcome football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Dan Plumley has insisted that Leeds United are likely to come to an out-of-court settlement with Jean-Kevin Augustin after recent developments.
FIFA have ordered the Whites to pay the sticker £24.5million due to a breach of contract over his collapsed move to the club, although that has been appealed.
Leeds did the same with RB Leipzig over their saga, and the finance expert admits that an amicable settlement is the best outcome for both parties in this situation.
“It’s one of those where no transfer is ever bulletproof, there is always a risk,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“I know some of the complications around this around the initial season being paused and the dates and timings kicked this off. Irrespective of that, this is one of those where the gamble has not landed.
“With the cost that Leeds have had to pay, I think it will be similar to what happened with RB Leipzig, I think there will be an amicable conclusion that is reached to this. I know Leeds are going to appeal but you’re probably looking at an out-of-court settlement that would be the way to play for both parties.
“When you look at the cost and the amount of money they’ve had to stump up already and may have to pay a little bit more, this is one where the gamble has not landed and in the grand scheme of things, it’s not the biggest hit on the revenue line in the Premier League, but if you do drop into the Championship, this is something that adds complexity into that mix and is not ideal.”
Andrea Radrizzani and company have really seen this one come back to bite them in tremendous fashion which could see them fork out over £40million.
Of course, these out-of-court settlements will lower that and it would be no surprise to see that happen given that the Court of Arbitration for Sport often stick with the original decision.
The quicker this saga is over, the better.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.