Leeds United’s search for a new striker has finally come to an end as RB Leipzig’s forward Jean-Kevin Augustin has joined Leeds United on an initial loan until the end of the season.
The striker was previously on loan with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, but he failed to make an impression for them. Augustin had started just twice in the league for the French side so far. Given the lack of playing time, it is understandable why RB Leipzig cut short his loan spell.
With top-flight clubs like Brighton, Crystal Palace, Nice and St. Etienne interested, it was undoubtedly a significant coup for the Whites. It is clear that Augustin wants game time and he will have a much better chance of making it into the playing eleven at Elland Road.
Augustin emerged from the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, but he failed to establish himself there given the attacking talent they had at their disposal. The striker moved to Leipzig in 2017. Augustin has 20 goals and eight assists in 67 appearances for the German outfit. The Leeds United man had performed decently for the Bundesliga club, but he was allowed to move away on loan in the summer.
What can Augustin bring to the table?
The striker’s standout assets are his pace and dribbling skills, and that’s why he can play on the flanks when required. His positioning and finishing skills aren’t too bad either, and once he settles in at the club, we believe that he can be an upgrade over Patrick Bamford. Augustin has the natural flair to go past players, and his explosiveness in the final third could make the difference.
The 22-year-old might have to improve on his overall work rate and link-up play. It remains to be seen now whether Bielsa would give him first-team chances or keep him as a backup to Bamford for the majority of the season. The Englishman has been guilty of missing quite a few chances, and he seems to lack the killer instinct in front of goal. Augustin has that x-factor which the Whites desperately need in the attacking third.
The Frenchman has been playing top-flight football for quite some time, and it is indeed surprising to see him move to a second division club when first division sides were looking to sign him. It is clear that he is hungry for game time and Leeds United can benefit from having him in the second half of the season.
