Jean-Kevin Augustin dispute could ruin Leeds United move for RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams
The ongoing Jean-Kevin Augustin dispute could hamper a Leeds United move for RB Leipzig man Tyler Adams, according to Manuel Veth.
The failed transfer for the French striker in 2020 left both clubs arguing over the sum of €21million that the Germans believed they were owed as part of the loan-to-buy agreement, as the club were successfully promoted.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side argued that the Covid-19 delay meant this had happened after the agreed date in the contract so they would not take up the permanent option.
FIFA ruled against United, who took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in March, and further business between the two sides could be “difficult” until the matter is resolved according to Forbes journalist Veth.
He wrote on his personal Twitter account on Friday morning (27 May) on the prospect of a move for American midfielder Adams: “Hmmmm… difficult. Leeds United still owe Leipzig €21m for Augustin.
“That case is with the CAS after FIFA ruled in RBLeipzig’s favour. Although we might see a resolution in that case soon.”
Dragging on
The dispute was considered as a potential stumbling block during the January pursuit of Brenden Aaronson, although the separate clubs within the Red Bull empire are run by different people.
That clearly hasn’t proven to be the case after the Salzburg man signed on Thursday (26 May), but with fellow US player Adams at the German side it could be more of an issue.
A straight transfer would presumably be judged on its merits, and should Leipzig consider an offer from Elland Road to be in their best interests then it seems unnecessary for the Augustin issue to get in the way.
But there is sure to be bad feeling considering the Whites’ insistence on dragging the issue down the line, and could cloud negotiations.
It is a matter of principle at this point, and the hope has to be that a ruling from CAS comes down soon to put the matter to bed.
If the messy fall out from the French striker’s unsuccessful time continues to have ongoing negative consequences it will have to go down as one of the worst moves in the club’s recent history.
The player’s own career has largely fallen apart as a result, the Bundesliga club are short of money they believe they are owed, and Leeds’ market dealings now may be being hampered.
Adams is another player who has a history with Jesse Marsch, and was suggested as the next potential arrival at the club by Tom Bogert on Twitter.
The club need reinforcements in central midfield, especially if the sudden pace of a potential Kalvin Phillips exit appears to be increasing.
In other Leeds United news, the club want to continue the transfer revolution by adding a second top target after completing the Aaronson deal.