Leeds would wise to prevent a move for this 22-year-old forward on loan in the Ligue 1

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Leeds United should avoid signing Jean-Kevin Augustin this month

According to The Athletic (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are interested in signing RB Leipzig forward Jean-Kevin Augustin, who is currently on loan at AS Monaco.

Jean-Kevin Augustin, 22, has struggled since arriving at AS Monaco last summer. He has scored just once, having struggled for game time in France in the first half of the season. In fact, he has been shut out from the starting XI due to the brilliant performances of Wissam Ben Yedder and Islam Slimani.

The report (h/t Leeds Live) adds that Leeds United are considering a move for Augustin to bolster their attacking unit this season.

RB Leipzig striker Jean-Kevin Augustin celebrates after scoring.
RB Leipzig striker Jean-Kevin Augustin celebrates after scoring.

The Whites recently signed Ian Poveda from Manchester City on a permanent deal. Poveda, who made one senior appearance for City in last season’s Carabao Cup win over Burton, has signed a contract until 2024. He has become Leeds’ second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of goalkeeper Elia Caprile from Chievo.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been off the boil in recent weeks, surrendering the summit of the Championship to West Brom. Much of their struggles have been due to a lack of cutting edge in the final third, with Patrick Bamford looking knackered and the squad stretched after Eddie Nketiah’s exit.

Leeds must sign a striker to increase their productivity in front of the goal but would Augustin be a good fit at Elland Road?

A product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, Augustin was sold to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2017 and he scored nine goals in 25 appearances during his debut season in the Bundesliga. Subsequently, he was pushed to the periphery as Timo Werner became the first-choice option up top. He managed only three goals at Leipzig last season and was loaned out to Monaco before the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has struggled to make an impact in the Ligue 1, scoring just one goal and assisting twice in 13 appearances across all competitions. Augustin hasn’t proven to be a prolific goalscorer in his career so far, thus representing a massive risk for the Whites.

Verdict

All in all, Leeds would be better off not signing Augustin. The Peacocks should sign a new striker following Nketiah’s departure but the Frenchman is far from being the answer to their problems.