In mid February, Carpi general manager Matteo Scali confirmed the outlines of a deal with Leeds United for Jerry Mbakogu.
Scali was quoted in Italy, keeping it short and sweet: “There’s a gentleman agreement with Leeds for June.”
Not so long later there were worries about the player’s knee and an issue which has been going on for a while.
Carpi coach Antonio Calabro confirmed the striker had been struggling with a knee injury, and Gazzetta di Modena added: ‘The Nigerian striker is however carrying out a specific program to preserve the knee that has tormented him for some time.’
Then came another injury issue, but this time it’s a muscle problem in the player’s right leg.
Carpi have confirmed the issue without giving many details other than that their medical staff are monitoring the situation on a daily basis.
This all presents some worry for Leeds United and their agreement to buy the player in the summer transfer window.
The 25 year old has 8 goals and 3 assists so far this season and whilst that’s not a brilliant return, Carpi’s local media insist Mbakogu is important to the team.
From a Leeds United perspective, the club will want to make sure there’s absolutely no long term issues, and there’s every chance they’ll walk away from a deal if the striker can’t play consistently before the end of the season.
