Leeds United have been reportedly ordered to pay Jean-Kevin Augustin a whopping £24.5million in compensation over claims of a breach of contract – and it means the French striker has cost more than £800,000 a minute.
Augustin, 25, joined Leeds on loan with a view to a permanent move back in January 2020. But it did not go to plan, managing just three sub outings. Injuries and a lack of fitness saw Marcelo Bielsa choose against using Augustin.
That season, Leeds gained promotion as Championship winners. But there was confusion surrounding Augustin. Leeds believed it was just an option, while Leipzig argued that given Leeds went up – they had an obligation to buy.
So, in December last year, Leeds reached a settlement with Leipzig to buy Augustin for £15.5million (Athletic). Now, Augustin has filed his own case. The Athletic report FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber have found in his favour.
Leeds ordered to pay Augustin compensation: His cost per minute
It means that on top of the £15.5million, Leeds will have to pay Augustin £24.5million in wages – based on reports that Augustin would have earned a five-year, £90,000-a-week deal. That is, if Leeds had bought him permanently.
Something which has been proved we should have done. Leeds have appealed the decision to pay Augustin such a steep figure, but as things stand, Leeds will pay £40m in total. Given he played about 48 minutes of football.
TeamTalk’s James Marschment has reported the figure Augustin has cost per minute – claiming it has cost the club £816,326 per minute. An incredible figure, but a damning one for Leeds, too. It hinders are summer transfer budget.
An absolute howler of a transfer from the Leeds board, one that will be used as an example for years to come. Meanwhile, Augustin is currently with FC Basel in Switzerland – where he has scored just four goals in 18 games.
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