Leeds United Consider Return of Forward Once Lauded by Bielsa
Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has been a whirlwind. Promoted as Championship champions under Daniel Farke last season, the Whites have stepped back into the top flight with optimism tempered by cautionary tales from their previous stint. That 2020-21 season under Marcelo Bielsa remains part of club folklore—a ninth-place finish that thrilled fans with high-octane football, only to culminate in relegation two years later amid injuries and fixture congestion. Now, five years on from Bielsa’s celebrated promotion, Leeds face a familiar challenge: strengthening the squad to survive—and ideally thrive—in the relentless Premier League.
At the center of the latest transfer speculation is a forward once described by Bielsa himself as “great.” Sources suggest director of football Victor Orta—back at Leeds after a successful spell at Sevilla—is exploring talks to bring in a proven striker capable of adding creativity and firepower to Farke’s 4-2-3-1 setup. That player? Jean-Kevin Augustin, the French forward whose brief loan spell at Leeds in early 2020 left a lasting impression on both Bielsa and the fanbase.
Augustin’s arrival five years ago was met with high expectations. In January 2020, Bielsa turned to the 22-year-old on loan from RB Leipzig during a tense promotion race, calling him “a great player” and praising his movement and finishing. Augustin showed glimpses of brilliance, scoring on his debut against Bristol City and contributing goals in a crucial win over Swansea City. Fans still recall his fluid, predatory style, perfectly suited to Bielsa’s pressing game.
However, injuries soon disrupted the narrative. A chronic knee issue sidelined Augustin for the remainder of the season. Leeds secured promotion without him, and the loan never became a permanent move. Subsequent stints at Leipzig, Nantes, Basel, Monaco, and Lens saw flashes of potential, but injuries continued to limit his impact. Now 27 and a free agent, Augustin is training in Paris while fielding interest from several clubs across Europe.
Leeds’ reported pursuit represents a chance to close an unfinished chapter. Talks, ongoing since October, reportedly focus on fitness and commitment, with the potential deal likely including performance-based incentives. Farke, speaking after Leeds’ recent 2-1 defeat to Brighton, hinted at reinforcements without specifics: “We need quality in the final third—players who can unlock defenses and give us that edge. The window’s open, and we’re exploring options that fit our identity.”
Bielsa’s legacy still looms large at Elland Road. Fans continue to chant his name, murals of “El Loco” adorn the East Stand, and his influence informs Leeds’ footballing identity. For Augustin, returning would not just be a transfer—it would be a symbolic nod to that high-risk, high-reward philosophy that propelled Leeds to Premier League contention.
Yet the risks are evident. Leeds sit 16th after 11 matches, and their attack is struggling. Augustin’s injury history and inconsistent form raise caution, but scouts note his improved off-ball movement and physicality. If he passes medicals, he could provide a valuable option up front, bridging past promise with current necessity.
Ultimately, a move would be more than nostalgia. It could be the next step in Leeds’ Premier League survival strategy, blending Bielsa-era ambition with Farke’s pragmatic approach. Five years after Bielsa’s acclaim, Augustin might finally get the chance to live up to that “great” label—this time with the Premier League watching.