Jean-Kevin Augustin set to earn significant fee from Leeds United after failed transfer deal

Leeds United’s failed transfer saga with Jean-Kevin Augustin has taken another twist as the club has withdrawn their appeal against the £24.5million compensation awarded to the striker. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the news, leaving the Whites facing a hefty bill for a player who barely featured for them.

Augustin, who joined Leeds on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2020, was expected to make a permanent move to Elland Road if the club secured promotion to the Premier League. However, the French striker managed just 48 minutes of action as Marcelo Bielsa’s side clinched the Championship title.

Despite Leeds pulling out of the deal to sign Augustin permanently, FIFA ruled in favor of the player, leading to the hefty compensation fee. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has labeled Augustin as the most expensive player in football history in terms of cost per appearance, with Leeds set to pay over £13,000 per second for the forward.

The saga has seen Augustin move on to Nantes and now FC Basel, where he has struggled to make a significant impact. The former PSG forward’s time at Leeds may have been forgettable, but the financial implications of the failed transfer will continue to haunt the Yorkshire club.

As Leeds look to move on from the Augustin debacle, fans will be hoping for better luck in the transfer market in the future. The costly lesson serves as a reminder of the risks involved in modern football dealings and the importance of getting deals right the first time.