As per latest reports, Leeds United are no longer interested in signing Jerry Mbakogu from Carpi FC, even after agreeing to a £3m transfer fee. The Championship outfit already contacted the player’s representatives and the club’s hierarchy to brief them about their dropped interests. This is clearly the mark of Marcelo Bielsa who took over the reigns of the West Yorkshire club in June 2018. Mbakogu was being scouted from as early as January and might not be the type of player that the Argentine coach would like to see in his team, despite being understaffed in the striker department.
The 25-year-old, who is of Nigerian descent, does not boast of a great scoring record, managing just 8 in 28 all around appearances last term. He has spent the majority of his career in Italy and that too in the lower divisions. Mbakogu has registered 37 goals and 21 assists in total 132 appearances for Carpi.
Maybe Bielsa is looking for someone with a lot more experience in the upper tiers of Europe rather than the Serie B. There are other players in the market whom he could chase without heavily gambling on the prospects of the move working out. Leeds United are in desperate need of a number nine and Mbakogu was being heavily considered for the position.
What started out to be one of the best chances of pushing for a promotion, quickly turned into a dark and hopeless affair for the Whites in the 2017/18 campaign. They ended the season in the 13th spot of the Championship, registering just two wins since the break of the new year. Now Bielsa has to take charge of making squad improvements swiftly and should strongly consider the following options.
Abel Hernandez
The Uruguayan striker’s wage demands might be a bit too high for the Peacocks but he is due to arrive on a free transfer if a deal gets agreed upon. Heaps of experience in the English second division and a prolific run of 8 goals in 10 games last term should be enough to convince the United hierarchy to take the leap.
Dwight Gayle
Granted Newcastle United will not sell any of their players without having a replacement in place, the possibility of Gayle departing St James’ Park has grown since his 6-goal stint in the 2017/18 season. Leeds United can surely take a punt on him after his brilliant scoring run in the 2016/17 season that saw the Magpies win the Championship and earn their place back in the top flight.
Read More: Leeds United Face Setback As Custodian On Their Radar Joins Southampton: What Should Bielsa Do Now?
Rafa Mir
Wolves have just signed Raul Jimenez on loan from Benfica and Leo Bonatini on a permanent basis from Al-Hilal. This might be an indication of the fact that maybe the Spaniard should look for greener pastures at Elland Road, rather than sitting behind the duo under Nuno Santo.
