Revealed: Leeds in line for multi-million Augustin payment in new twist
Leeds United are likely to have to pay a hefty penalty clause to wriggle out of their obligation to sign Jean-Kevin Augustin permanently, Football Insider has learned.
Marcelo Bielsa opted not to extend Augustin's loan until the end of the Championship season after a wretched five months at Elland Road.
However, Leeds face some difficult discussions with the striker's parent club RB Leipzig as they look to terminate their contractual obligations on a deal that has been a major disappointment.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that United are expected to have to pay a major penalty payment - likely to stretch into multi millions of pounds - to Leipzig not to sign Augustin.
United announced in late January they had signed the French striker on an initial loan but have not publicly corroborated widespread reports the deal will become permanent if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Sources in Germany have said that Leeds have an obligation to pay £18million, on top of the initial £2m loan fee, to Leipzig if they go up.
However, the Championship leaders are expected to have protected themselves with a get-out clause if neither they or the player himself are keen to make the deal a full-time one.
The high-profile forward has made just three appearances for the Whites since signing amounting to just 48 minutes of action.
He had fitness issues before the lockdown and then broke down with a new hamstring problem last month before Leeds opted not to extend his loan.
United recruited Augustin from RB Leipzig after his season-long loan to Monaco was cancelled at the halfway point.
He was previously a first choice at Leipzig, where his record of 20 goals from 67 appearances is a creditable one.
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