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“Surprised and disappointed” – Leeds United not backing down as Jean-Kevin Augustin judgement arrives

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Leeds United have lost their appeal in the court case pertaining to Jean-Kevin Augustin’s non-move from RB Leipzig in 2020, and are now forced to pay the transfer fee to the German club.

The Whites have struggled when it’s come to striker recruitment in the last few years, and it can be well summed up by their signing of then-RB Leipzig striker Jean-Kevin Augustin in January 2020.

Leeds signed the Frenchman on an initial loan deal with a reported €21million obligation to buy, if Leeds were promoted to the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa earned promotion that summer with Leeds as the season was delayed, but Augustin was no longer part of the side by the time their return to the top flight was sealed on July 17.

Leeds refused to pay up the fee to the Bundesliga side and a legal feud has since been rumbling on for two years with FIFA initially ruling in favour of Leipzig, before Leeds took matters to the Court of Arbitration for Sport with an appeal.

However, their appeal has failed with The Athletic’s Phil Hay reporting that Leeds are now forced to pay instalments to Leipzig, with the first expected to be €6.7million:

Leeds have released a statement on the matter too:

“Leeds United are surprised and disappointed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision, which not only contradicts the language and meaning of the contract but also the practices adopted in European football under FIFA regulations, due to the unique impact of the extensions to the season necessitated by Covid postponements.

“The club will now review carefully all of its legal options with a view to an immediate appeal.

“We will make no further comment at this time.”

Predictions for Leeds vs Bournemouth?

Leeds win

Leeds win

Draw

Draw

Bournemouth win

Bournemouth win

It was inevitable that we would have to pay up for Augustin, even if we do legally have a major loophole to take advantage of.

I just think that the powers that be won’t look at us trying to wriggle out of this on a technicality with any sort of sympathy.

You’d hope that this payment won’t impact us when it comes to further spending that needs to be conducted in January.

Let’s just hope that we don’t have another blunder as bad as this one.

Quiz: Have the following 15 players played for both Leeds United and Bournemouth – Yes or no?

1 of 15

Has Luke Ayling played for both?

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.