We’ve covered linked to Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu on Vital Leeds previously as he was a hot topic back in last January’s transfer window and a regular feature on the rumour mill this summer – especially in that period where links to strikers were all stalled owing to financial demands on wages.
Bizarre this – after spending the summer trying to sell him to Leeds for seven figures, Carpi release Jerry Mbakogu on a free https://t.co/nb7YApN9C7
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) August 7, 2018
25-year-old Mbakogu was subject of plenty of speculation in the Italian press mainly but the links, this summer in particular, were flimsy and without a source and always claimed that ‘something’ might happen, so it came off as press rehash or an agent doing their best to keep their client in the news. Or the club themselves being desperate to get a bite.
The fees spoken about were low seven figures but having been claimed to be a seven-figure signing in the media, his Serie B club have now released him as a free agent – whether that’s related to his injury in the second half of 2017/18 I don’t know.
Leeds fans weren’t best pleased with the links as a possible main incoming striker back then, but some wonder if he’d be worth a punt now he’s available on a free – others just simply see the humour in it.
“Please sign my player” is never a good sign
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) August 7, 2018
You've now got 107…. actually I'll make it 108 ????
— Paulo (@sweet_left_peg) August 7, 2018
Still too expensive
— MJ (@elland_toad) August 7, 2018
Might aswell take a punt now ????????
— Andy Dufty (@AJDUFTY) August 7, 2018
Thought he was the new drogba ????????????
— Jake Ashley (@JakeAsh86448084) August 7, 2018
Leeds’ interest went well before Bielsa was appointed. Probably before the season even concluded tbh
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) August 7, 2018
You watch us get interested again now it’s a ‘free’
— Noely Daniels (@noel33330) August 7, 2018
ah what a story
— Charlie Phillips (@charliechar) August 7, 2018
Bullet…..dodged…..
— Dan Newton (@DannoLUFC) August 7, 2018
Why not go for it?
— Sam Stewart (@sstew101) August 7, 2018
Owt for nowt and all that
— Side_Before_Self (@bobbygamora) August 7, 2018
And we was going to pay £3-4 mill for him #luckyescape
— Glenn Bugge (@Buggey20) August 7, 2018
Get him for free @LUFC ????????????
— Brandon Yates (@BielsasEnganche) August 7, 2018
I don’t know enough about the player to comment, and I’m not sure many fans do either. But simply put if any of the positives fans were reading in the press were true, it’s highly unlikely Carpi would’ve willingly lost him if there was a £1/2million real price tag on his head.
Even as a squad body and back up, it still feels like this one was best swerved.