Every Coventry City transfer link so far ahead of summer window
Coventry City transfer news from CoventryLive as we take a look at the names linked so far with the Sky Blues ahead of the summer window
In addition to assisting Frank Lampard lead the team to greater heights than they did during his first half-year at the club, Coventry City’s recruitment department is getting ready for another season of Championship action.
Even though the head coach guided the Sky Blues to the playoffs, the team’s hopes of reaching the final and competing against Sheffield United for the most costly prize in English football—promotion to the Premier League—were dashed by a heartbreaking semi-final loss at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
The Scandinavian market is nothing new to the Sky Blues, as they scouted and acquired Danish midfielder Victor Torp from Sarpsborg, Norway, 15 months ago, and Sweden international Oliver Dovin from Hammarby last summer. Furthermore, Lampard will be eager to add a third keeper to compete at the senior level, as Dovin is out for the long haul due to an ACL injury and will likely miss a significant portion of the upcoming campaign.
Several English Championship teams, including Coventry, “want to sign” the 6′ 4″ goalie in the summer, according to Swedish publication Footballdirekt.se.
The report says: “The 22-year-old from New Zealand, who also holds a British passport, has had a strong development. Last year he was in the finals and has also done so in all cup matches this year.
“Ahead of the start of this year’s season, FotbollDirekt now has information that he is being followed by a handful of clubs from the English Championship, including Coventry.
“Several are also said to be planning to see the 190-plus tall goalkeeper in place during the spring. Interested clubs are said to be impressed by his aggressive playing style, his feet and quick reflexes.”
Lampard link to midfielder
During the summer transfer window, City has been connected to interest in what one Championship commentator has called a “decent option” for Frank Lampard.
According to Mail Sport, the Sky Blues are one of several teams “interested” in Tom Lawrence, a midfielder for Rangers who is nearing the end of his contract at Ibrox and is anticipated to become a free agent in May.
Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Middlesbrough, and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in the 31-year-old, who played for Lampard at Derby County. Wrexham, a League One promotion contender, as well as international teams Olympiacos, PAOK, and Besiktas are also mentioned as possible suitors.
Lawrence scored six goals under Lampard in the 2018–19 season as the Rams advanced to the Championship play-off final, and he played in nearly 200 games across five years at Pride Park.
Although he has experienced a number of physical issues since going north, the dynamic attacking midfielder has played 66 games for the SPL team and scored six goals from 25 this season. He went on to captain Derby before departing for Rangers in the summer of 2022.
Both Coventry and Wrexham, Lawrence’s hometown team, would be alluring possibilities for the midfielder, according to Sky Sports analyst David Prutton.
“With the Frank Lampard associations, of course, but I believe it depends on where Wrexham ends up,” Prutton told Football League World. Right now, the Red Dragons are in second place in the third division and appear to be headed for promotion.
His vast expertise will make him a good stabilising effect if they manage to qualify for the Championship. The Championship is their first realistic goal, and if they remain in League One, it might be a wise decision to assist them achieve it.
In other news
Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit fears “huge” Coventry City blow as Newcastle United lurk
This summer, Coventry City may have to fight to hold onto star midfielder Jack Rudoni, as Newcastle United scouts are closely monitoring the 23-year-old.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are keeping an eye on Rudoni’s status at the Sky Blues in anticipation of a possible summer raid.
With nine goals and 12 assists in 43 Championship games this past season, the dynamic midfielder had a spectacular debut season at the CBS Arena.
“He ticks all the boxes” – Hendrie praises Rudoni’s rise under Lampard
Hendrie responded to the Premier League’s interest in Rudoni in an exclusive interview with Football League World, praising the midfielder’s growth under Frank Lampard.
According to the former Premier League player and Sky Sports analyst, the Sky Blues would suffer a “massive blow” if he were to leave.
“Would be a huge blow,” Hendrie said when asked his thoughts on the player should he leave Coventry.
“Do you know what? I have watched this boy for some time and tried to monitor his progress. I feel that at Huddersfield, he was the standout player. And since he’s made the move to Coventry, Frank Lampard has really got the best out of him.”
“I am aware that Frank has talked highly of him, and what he brings to the team,” Hendrie says of Lampard’s role in helping Rudoni reach his full potential and build his confidence. He firmly believes that he is talented.
Hendrie believes Rudoni possesses Premier League quality
Rudoni has been compared to Lampard because of his dynamic midfield play, which includes driving forward, arriving late into the box, and generating chances.
The 23-year-old, in Hendrie’s opinion, is prepared for the move to the Premier League.
“These days, midfielders have to get forward, get into the box, get goals and be creative. He does all of that really well,” Hendrie explained. “He ticks all the boxes and I think he can make the step up now, given the confidence Frank has given him.”
| Jack Rudoni’s 24/25 Championship regular season stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 |
| Starts | 40 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 7.49 |
| Assists | 12 |
| Big chances created | 16 |
| Key passes per game | 1.8 |
| Duels won per game | 4.5 (42%) |
| Source: Sofascore | |
He continued: “I’ve watched him this season in particular. He has been a huge standout. Sometimes people don’t necessarily see what he does in games.
“He may have missed a lot of chances, but I’m seeing him get into the box, into areas very much like Frank used to.”
Coventry face nervous wait as Rudoni attracts top-flight suitors
Newcastle is apparently one of the teams keeping an eye on Rudoni ahead of the summer window, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
According to Hendrie, a relocation might happen in the near future.
“I would be very, very shocked if a Premier League club isn’t looking at him for next season,” he said.
“It would be a massive blow for Coventry if that happened. It’s whether, and I’m sure most of these players do, he wants to take that step up to the Premier League.
“You don’t get that opportunity often, and I think you have to take it.”
