Jean-Kevin Augustin signed on loan until the end of the season in January, but Phil Hay has suggested that his stay at Elland Road could last longer.

What did he say?

The Athletic journalist relayed the fact that the Whites have an obligatory option in place to sign the striker if they are promoted to the Premier League – as previously reported by Bild – which they are currently on course to do.

The player will ultimately still have to agree to the switch and that may be doubtful considering he has played just 48 minutes for the Yorkshire outfit.

However, Hay also added that if Leeds do miss out on promotion they will also have the option to sign the 22-year-old…

He said:

“I was told obligation if Leeds go up, option if they don’t. But even with an obligation, Augustin would have to want to stay.

“Bielsa’s a big fan of his. Just needs his fitness/conditioning to be right.”

The second remark is interesting as it shows the Argentine boss may be keen to have the striker at his disposal regardless of which division the club finds itself in, which may persuade Victor Orta and Co to make the deal.

Unknown prodigy

There was a lot of excitement surrounding the signing of Augustin but in truth there is still little known about the player more than a month after he joined.

Moreover, that particular weakness has always surrounded the on-loan Frenchman, as he has now played for four clubs in his short career and never really been a regular starter.

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His 14 league starts for RB Leipzig in 2017/18 is his most frequent game time, but English football poses a different challenge, as does the management of Marcelo Bielsa, who seems to have finally sculpted Patrick Bamford into his ideal striker.

In that sense, the six months Augustin will spend at the club could be vital to his learning and understanding even if he doesn’t get onto the pitch that often.

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However, it would still be a risk if Leeds signed him permanently, particularly if they are promoted, as they will need strikers with a proven track record, especially as it could be more difficult to rely on their great defence to win matches due to the increase in quality.

Elsewhere, Leeds fans have been reacting to an outstanding stat that shows the secret behind their success…