A week ago Carpi’s general manager confirmed Leeds United have an agreement to sign Jerry Mbakogu in the summer transfer window.
Matteo Scali was quoted as saying: “There’s a gentleman agreement with Leeds for June.”
That followed numerous reports from Italy, towards the end of the winter transfer window, about Leeds holding meetings and trying to agree a fee for the player.
Mbakogu then missed Carpi’s following match, against Cremonese, with a virus so bad it was said to have stopped him from training.
Now the 25 year old won’t be available for the Serie B side’s next match, against Foggia on Saturday, due to a knee issue.
Carpi Calcio quote the club’s manager Antonio Calabro as saying: “Mbakogu has this knee problem and we want to take care of the best.”
That’s the bad news for Leeds, worry over a long term knee problem won’t be welcome, but surely the Championship club would make sure it’s right before going through with any deal in the summer.
The better news is how crucial Mbakogu is presented as for Carpi, with Calabro going on to say: “The absence of Jerry? Each team has its top player, and Mbakogu brings points. We will have to make a team to make up for his absence.”
Leeds United’s interest in the player was never considered a surprise in Italy, with Gazzetta dello Sport pointing out he was excellent when the club scouted Carpi specifically to watch him.
