David Woods

Mon 27 July 2020 13:10, UK

RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche has said that he feels “so sorry” for striker Jean-Kevin Augustin but added “the legal situation is clear” amid a dispute between the Bundesliga side and Leeds United.

Talking to Sportbuzzer, Krösche also admitted that the Coronavirus outbreak had cost his club a lot of money and that the sooner they got the money from Leeds for Augustin, the better.

“It is clear that the Coronavirus crisis cost us a lot of money as an association,” Krösche said. “Many companies are struggling with shrinking budgets, including us.”

Asked when RB Leipzig would get the money from Leeds for Augustin he said, “Better today then tomorrow. The legal situation is clear.”

And on Augustin’s situation, he said, “Of course [it’s] not a nice one. I am so sorry for him. He is a great football player when he’s fit.”

Leeds have stayed very quiet over the Augustin situation but you can be sure that they’re working behind the scenes to get out of the deal.

RB Leipzig think the legal situation is clear but MOT Leeds News columnist Paul Robinson said that he’d heard that Leeds think they’ll be okay and will be able to find a loophole to get out of signing the player.

He also said that he couldn’t see anyone forcing a player to sign for a club he doesn’t want to play for.

That alludes to the relationship between the player and Bielsa.

There could be some compromise that suits everyone and it could involve Leeds paying a sum of compensation.

However, that would leave Augustin at RB Leipzig and we’d be surprised if he had a future there after being sent out on two failed loans.

Krösche has said he’a talented player when fit and Leeds obviously saw something they liked.

Unfortunately, his fitness seems to be the real issue here.

In other Leeds United news, Reliable site leaks images of new Leeds home and away 20/21 Adidas kits