Victor Orta admits that other clubs tried to hijack Jean-Kevin Augustin deal

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Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has thanked Jean-Kevin Augustin for honouring his word in an interview with the club’s official website. He also admitted that other clubs tried to hijack the West Yorkshire side’s loan deal for the Frenchman.

Leeds have secured the striker on loan until the end of the season from Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, after his previous loan spell at Monaco was cancelled by mutual consent. The deal is said to have cost Leeds an initial £1.7 million, according to Bild, with a potential £18 million permanent deal possible if Leeds are promoted.

The hope is he can take some of the striking burden off Patrick Bamford, with former loanee Eddie Nketiah returning to Arsenal. 

It is certainly an eye-catching addition. It certainly seems that it caught the eye of envious clubs when it first appeared this deal could happen. Orta though was happy with Augustin for sticking to his commitment to Leeds United.

“I also need to say thank you to the player, because in the last minutes when people began to know he was available, a lot of teams began to call him, but he was really honest and gave us our [sic] word that he would sign for Leeds United and now he is our player.”

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The Express detailed how Everton rejected the chance to sign Augustin this month but it is not disclosed which clubs Orta might have been referring to. 

But there will be no doubt that Augustin’s loyalty will have been a massive fillip for the Leeds director. 

After the drama of Daniel James last January and Florian Jozefzoon’s decision to join Derby County in the summer of 2018, Leeds United know what it is like to be stung late in a transfer deal. 

Thankfully Augustin stuck to his word and can now, hopefully, fire Leeds United to Premier League promotion.