Jean-Kevin Augustin's future with Leeds United is very much up in the air.
The striker arrived on loan from RB Leipzig in the January transfer window and was tipped to make a big impression at Elland Road.
However the 23-year-old has been limited to just three cameo appearances since moving to West Yorkshire.
The club announced on Wednesday that Augustin's loan spell would not be extended to the end of the season, casting doubt over the permanent deal that was placed into the agreement.
The Athletic have confirmed that the striker is obliged to sign for the club permanently this summer, however Leeds United are said to be assessing how to scrap such a deal.
But after Forbes' Bundesliga expert Manuel Veth claimed that the agreement was set in stone, Hay said reiterated that it could prove to be a very messy situation.
Discussing Augustin's future, Hay told The Athletic: "They (RB Leipzig) want their money.
"Leeds will try to avoid the obligation again, but I can't see a situation in which he plays for Leeds again, not if (Marcelo) Bielsa is here.
He added: "It's potentially a very complicated and messy situation.
"We'll need time to see how it plays out."
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
Jean-Kevin Augustin has been a huge disappointment for Leeds United.
Three appearances for a player who was so highly-rated is hugely disappointing, particularly given the role that he could have played.
Augustin just hasn't been fit and that's been a big problem.
If the Whites had their way, they would send the striker back to RB Leipzig this summer and never look back, but with a mandatory purchase all-but agreed it seems that this could be tricky.
What the future holds for the 23-year-old remains to be seen, but he faces a long road back if he's to prove himself at Elland Road.