Kieran Maguire: Leeds United taking ‘near-£20m’ gamble amid courtroom twist
Leeds United are taking a courtroom gamble over the transfer of Jean-Kevin Augustin from RB Leipzig in 2018-19 which could save them up to £20million.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the fallout from the French striker’s spell at Elland Road.
The now-25-year-old joined Leeds on loan from Leipzig in January 2020 with a view to a permanent move.
But the pandemic derailed that campaign and after Augustin made just three substitute appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Leeds argued that they were not obligated to make the move permanent.
But the German side insist that the Whites owe approximately £18m for the player, who now turns out for Swiss side Basel.
As relayed by Leeds Live on Thursday (29 September), the Court of Arbitration for Sport has adjourned the case after Uefa previously found in Leipzig’s favour.
Leeds will owe the Red Bull-owned club around £300,000 in extra interest if CAS eventually rules against them.
Maguire explained why Leeds are fighting the case all the way.
“It’s certainly in Leeds’ interest if they are willing to defer and delay the outcome of the Jean-Kevin Augustin case,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“The upside is that they could save them the best part of £20m if Uefa agrees that the transfer had not taken place due to the unusual determination of the end of the season as a result of Covid.
“The downside is that they will have to pay an interest penalty should they lose the case.
“But you only have to compare the magnitude of the two numbers to see that Leeds will be focusing on being successful because it’s going to save them almost 20 times as much money if they win the case.”
In other news, Leeds United could sign “perfect” Jack Harrison replacement on pre-contract after source’s reveal.