Following their goal-scoring issues last season, Leeds United are expected to reinforce their attacking unit. Seemingly, the arrival of another forward is a priority for the newly-appointed manager, Marcelo Bielsa. The Whites have been linked with a whole host of strikers, the latest of which is Capri’s Jerry Mbakogu.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Nigerian forward could be available at a reduced fee of £3.5M. While the forward is most certainly a decent player, he isn’t of sufficient quality to fire Leeds towards the Premier League.
Without question, Leeds are in need of attacking reinforcement. A total of 59 goals is inadequate for a team that are seeking promotion to the top-flight of English football, yet Mbakogu doesn’t have the experience of being a striker who can contribute consistently towards goals.
The Nigerian forward only contributed to nine league goals in 26 league appearances for Capri last season – scoring six goals and registering three assists. In all competitions, he contributed to 11 goals in 28 games. Without question, that is a decent return for a centre-forward, but it isn’t sufficient for a team who flaunts the ambitions that Leeds United have.
If the Whites’ intentions of reaching the Premier League are sincere, then they require a forward who can contribute a substantial tally of goals, and who can also win the game on his one. Bielsa is well recognised for his attacking systems, and Leeds must certify that they have players who can contribute significantly to the team. As a backup option, Mbakogu could be an interesting proposition, but he isn’t good enough to start for Leeds.
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