Southampton should keep tabs on Jean-Kevin Augustin as playing time and value diminishes

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Jean-Kevin Augustin was a name mentioned as a potential transfer target for Premier League clubs in the winter window.

Perhaps the link with the most credence was that of Southampton. The Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl had worked with the Frenchman at RB Leipzig, so was likely to be keen on a reunion.

“It’s nice that you know we are linked with this guy! I don’t want to explain if it is [true] or not.

“I know Jean-Kevin very well. I think every player I know well is linked with us.

“He has got qualities, he is quick, can score and is used to the high-pressing methods we use, so that would help him if he would be here.” 

– Hasenhuttl on Augustin links in January (Sky Sports)

The Sun suggested that was the case, but a £38 million valuation looked to be a massive stumbling block. Toward the end of the window, journalist Alan Nixon of The Sun reported that asking price had gone down.

Based on his current situation, it is not likely to rise. Augustin has played just 11 minutes of football from his last nine games with the club, largely sitting on the bench as the likes of Timo Werner, Yussuf Poulsen, and Matheus Cunha keep him out of the team.

It has been justified, with four wins from five games propelling Leipzig back into the Bundesliga title shake-up.

But it is unlikely to improve Augustin’s mood, or valuation, at the club and Southampton can take full advantage of that fact in the summer if they remain in the Premier League.