The signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin was one of the worst decisions in Leeds United’s history, due to the financial strain and poor on-field contributions that followed.
Kieran Maguire, a football financial expert, disclosed on Twitter that the Whites spent £13,715 per second for the French striker.
Based on this calculation, the 26-year-old is the most expensive player in football history in terms of cost per appearance.
As Leeds withdrew their appeal against £24.5 million in compensation, Maguire wrote: “Augustin is the most expensive player in football history in terms of cost per appearance.” It cost Leeds £13,715 per second.
Bielsa failed to work with Augustin at Leeds United.
Leeds signed Augustin on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2020, with the option to make the move permanent for £18 million if the club was promoted to the Premier League.
Despite Leeds’ promotion, Augustin played only three games for the club, totaling 48 minutes, and fell out of favour with Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds declined to sign Augustin permanently, citing the 2019/20 season’s delay due to the COVID-19 epidemic, which they claimed voided the transfer clause.
However, this decision sparked a legal conflict between RB Leipzig and Augustin himself.
FIFA found in favour of the parties seeking compensation from Leeds, resulting in a substantial financial penalty of £24.5 million for Augustin’s claim and a separate £15 million settlement with Leipzig.
Leeds United’s behind-the-scenes flaws
This issue highlighted Leeds’ substantial mismanagement, both in terms of player recruitment and legal disputes.
Augustin became the most expensive football player in history in terms of cost per appearance, costing Leeds £13,715 per second of game time, as a result of the high salary and dismal ROI.
The entire episode was an ugly saga that reflected poorly on the club’s decision-making and left a substantial financial burden.
