When you sign a contract – it’s done. If you hadn’t used your brain before you signed – that’s your problem. Leeds United’s officials didn’t think their contract through and will have to pay a lot of money because of it.The Premier League club will have to pay around $30 million to Jean-Kevin Augustin, a player who was their only on loan for a short time in 2020 – and who made just three appearances for Leeds, totalling 48 minutes!##NAJAVA_MECA_7173334##When Augustin joined then-Championship club Leeds on loan from RB Leipzig, the deal stated Leeds would have an obligation to buy the French striker in case they won promotion to the Premier League – and the fee was set at $22 million. Leeds won their promotion, but they argued they didn’t have to buy Augustin because his loan contract ended on 30 June – and Leeds only got promoted on 17 July because of the covid-related delays. Someone at Elland Road got the “genius” idea that they would get away without paying for the player who left no impact on the team’s fortunes.However, in 2021, FIFA ordered Leeds United to pay the amount in full to RB Leipzig. The player himself wouldn’t let the matter go, however. From his point of view, he should have become a Leeds player and was therefore due all the wages for the previously-agreed five-year contract. So, he made the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport – and won his case. Jean-Kevin Augustin played 48 minutes for us and we’re going to end up paying £40 million for him.The worst transfer of all time. pic.twitter.com/wmcwTipjGe— Billy (@_billyreid) April 11, 2023 CAS ordered Leeds United to pay $30 million to the player, who is now playing for Basel in Switzerland. The 25-year-old forward is set to become a very wealthy man – and Leeds will have another expensive lesson. The West Yorkshire club will contest the decision, but their chances of avoiding another financial hit seem slim. A Leeds United spokesperson has told the media that ‘the club cannot comment on an ongoing legal matter’.The latest decision is a big blow for the Whites, who are struggling to maintain their top-flight status for next season. They are 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.
