Why Leeds United’s done deal for Jean-Kevin Augustin is a good move
According to The Independent, Leeds United have signed Jean-Kevin Augustin on loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Augustin, 22, came through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system and moved to Germany with Leipzig in the summer of 2017. In 67 appearances for the club, he has scored 20 goals and provided 8 assists despite playing second fiddle to striker Timo Werner.
That said, he did not get enough game time last season and was eventually sent on loan to French side Monaco. And now, Leeds United have taken a chance with Frenchman.
Augustin has an impressive record for France’s U21 side, scoring 5 goals in just 9 appearances but is yet to make his senior debut.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently 2nd in the Championship table, just one point behind leaders West Brom. And the manager has done the right thing by bringing in the starlet to bolster his attacking ranks.
The Whites failed to keep hold of Arsenal youth product Eddie Nketiah after the Gunners cut short his loan spell due to a lack of game time. In 17 league games, the English talent could only score 3 goals and has returned to the Emirates stadium.
With Nketiah’s departure, the manager was left with only one established striker in Patrick Bamford, who has 10 goals to his name. On the other hand, Tyler Roberts was left out of the squad 9 times in the last 10 games after failing to put in convincing displays.
And Bamford hasn’t scored in the last five league games. As a result, Jean-Kevin Augustin’s addition has come at the right time for Bielsa and his side, who are chasing promotion. The 22-year-old is capable of playing anywhere up front and he would provide some healthy competition to first-choice striker Bamford.
Verdict
Having secured the services of the youngster on loan, Bielsa has certainly taken a massive step in the right direction. Getting a taste of English football at 22 would benefit the youngster as well, thus making it a great deal for all parties.
