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Leeds United have solved their striker problem this January after snapping up French talent Jean-Kevin Augustin from RB Leipzig on loan.
Leeds will also have the obligation to buy Augustin for a fee in the region of £18 million should they win promotion to the Premier League this season.
Considering Augustin’s pedigree, Leeds United fans are very excited about the deal and feel the club have signed a perfect striking alternative to Patrick Bamford.
The valuation being placed on Augustin’s head 12 months ago has also caused some excitement among fans.
in January 2019, the likes of Everton, Wolves and Southampton were all keen on Augustin.
The report stated that the German side would not consider selling the player for less than £38 million.
But the fact that valuation has dropped so dramatically must also be something of a warning sign for Leeds. In just 12 months, Leipzig, who are in no need financially to crash their asking price, want £20 million less for Augustin to leave.
It signifies a slowing in his development which also saw Monaco happy to terminate their loan deal with the mercurial frontman this month, in order to facilitate the Leeds United move. He scored just once for the club in an unsuccessful spell.
His performances on the pitch are not the only concern, and perhaps not the only reason his stock has fallen.
In December 2018, suggested Leipzig had had enough of his attitude and decided he was no longer a long-term option at the German club.
In September 2018, both he and Nordi Mukiele were ‘sanctioned hard’ by Leipzig head coach Ralf Rangnick for breaking club matchday protocol,
That same month Augustin was publicly reprimanded by the French under-21 coach after rejecting a call-up via text.
Clearly, there is an immense talent bubbling under the surface for Augustin. Otherwise, how would Leipzig ever have had the audacity to ask for £38 million for his services.
But considering the £20 million drop in valuation and the past reports over his attitude, Leeds United fans should wait until he proves himself on the pitch before proclaiming him the promotion saviour.
Hopefully, under the eagle-eyed tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa, Augustin can finally start to live up to some of his previously lofty expectations.