Jean-Kevin Augustin, the 27-year-old French forward, has officially signed with Motor Lublin, surprising many fans just before the national break. On March 21, 2025, the club announced his arrival on a free transfer, marking a bold move for the team that has been a revelation in this season's PKO BP Ekstraklasa.
Augustin, a graduate of Paris Saint-Germain, has an impressive CV that includes playing for top-tier clubs like RB Leipzig, AS Monaco, and Leeds United. During his time at RB Leipzig from 2017 to 2019, he played 67 matches, scoring 20 goals and providing 8 assists. In 2018, he was notably valued at €25 million by the football statistics site Transfermarkt, reflecting the high expectations that were placed upon him as his career seemed to be on an upward trajectory.
Despite the strong start to his career, things took a downturn after joining Leeds United where his tenure was short-lived. Having made just three appearances, Leeds opted not to sign him permanently, which resulted in a costly dispute that saw FIFA ordering the club to pay Augustin £24.5 million in compensation. This debacle led to a significant setback for the player who then had brief unsuccessful stints at FC Nantes and FC Basel, scoring only two goals in the last season with the latter.
With Augustin remaining without a club since September, his move to Motor Lublin comes with hopes of revitalizing his career. His contract with the club lasts until the end of the current season, with an option to extend based on performance. Paweł Golański, the sporting director of Motor Lublin, expressed optimism regarding Augustin's future with the team: "Kevin is a player with great potential and experience, which he gained in top European leagues. We realize that he had been without a club for a few months, but he has been training with us for several weeks, and every day improvement in his dynamics and movement on the field was visible. We believe that his experience and hunger for success will result in his contract being extended after the season."
Motor Lublin, currently sitting in eighth place with 36 points, faces no immediate threats of relegation, creating an environment where Augustin can focus on rebuilding his reputation without the added pressure of a fierce battle for survival. His arrival is seen as a quality addition to the squad, with hopes that he will tap into the talent that once made him a sought-after player in European football.
In his youth, Augustin was not only a key player for PSG but also featured prominently for the French national youth teams, winning the U-19 European Championship and finishing as the tournament's top scorer. His accolades include winning several domestic titles, such as the French championship, the French Cup (four times), and the French Super Cup (twice).
As Motor Lublin aims to secure its position in the top flight of Polish football, Augustin's experience in various leagues could infuse much-needed quality and flair. The club appears committed to monitoring his progress, with Golański expressing his belief that positive performances will justify an extended contract.
With the coaching staff and fans alike eager to see how Augustin integrates into the squad, all eyes will be on him as the season continues. Can he rediscover the form that made him a standout player several years ago? Time will tell as he dons the yellow and blue kit of Motor Lublin, ushering in a new chapter in his footballing journey.
