In this article, we’ll go through which Coventry transfer targets have already been rumoured and who we think the Sky Blues should go for this summer.
The 24/25 season seemed to be a rollercoaster for Sky Blues fans. At the start of November, long-time favourite Mark Robins was relieved of his duties as Coventry boss, which sparked debate and controversy amongst the fanbase.
He has taken Coventry’s performances to that next level, and certain players in particular have really stepped up – the likes of Jack Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clark.
From the outset, there have been 2 main problems for Coventry this year – scoring goals consistently and keeping them out. Sounds like the simplest thing to identify, however there is a reason they were 17th, they failed to pick up points where performances deserved them.
That being said, I have comprised a list in two parts – that of players already linked to the Sky Blues, and the names I think could be explored as assets to the squad, or as starting players to help Lampard and Coventry as they push for their bid to compete in the top flight once again.
Rumoured Coventry Transfer Targets
Tom Lawrence AM/CM: (Released by Rangers)
Lawrence is a name that is familiar to that of Frank Lampard, having been managed by him at Derby in 2018/19. However, the Welsh midfielder only picked up 8 goal contributions in 28 appearances across all competitions this year for Rangers.
That being said, the last season he competed in the Championship was in 2020/21 – the admin season at Derby County, he scored 11 goals and registered 5 assists in 39 appearances that season. The now 31 year old would most likely join as a squad option, rotating with the likes of Jack Rudoni, but does offer valuable experience at this level and could be considered as the replacement for recently released Jamie Patterson.
He might not steal the limelight, but he does offer valuable experience and understands how Lampard operates – playing his best football under him, which is something that could be an asset to Coventry as they look to take that next step into the top flight.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden RB: (Aston Villa)
Ason Villa’s right back spent the 24/25 season on loan at Preston North End completing 51 appearances for the championship club across all competitions with 41 league starts. He impressed across the campaign, scoring twice and registering three assists. In addition to that, he also won PNE’s player of the year award leading to interest from a host of clubs including Coventry. In an interview on YouTube, Kesler-Hayden described patience as one of the key assets to his loan spell, not just on the ball, but off the ball as well as he eased his way into the team in the opening month. This would suit Coventry should they acquire the signature of the 22 year-old, as I struggle to see him taking the place of Dutch right back Milan Van-Ewijk while he is at the club, meaning the Villa defender would need to work for his spot in the starting 11.
Miguel Ángel Brau LB: (Granada)
The Sky Blues have been linked with the 23 year-old Spaniard who reportedly turned down a contract extension with Granada, paving his way to the CBS Arena on the 30th June (per solofichajes123 on X).
He registered 2 goals for the LaLiga2 side in the 24/25 season across 24 matches and 1,812 minutes. This season came with ups and downs for the young left-back, as it does any player, seeing him suffer a hamstring injury around December. He managed to reclaim his starting position almost three months post-recovery. Brau had been a consistent figure on the field for Granada, showcasing his defensive prowess and agility, claiming the starting spot over the captain, Carlos Neva, and starting 21 of 22 league matches.
It has been a debating point all season for Coventry over who should have the starting spot at left-back between Jake Bidwell and Jay Dasilva; each player suited to the opposite trait – Bidwell the more traditional defensively solid defender, and Dasilva the more dynamic front-footed wingback. Well, although statistics may not show it, the eye-test certainly does, Brau inherits the best of both worlds and is capable of doing both to a high standard at only 23 years old.
My Coventry City Transfer Targets
Callum Doyle: LB/CB (Manchester City)
Doyle is a name recognisable to Championship fans having spent time on loan at a host of clubs in the EFL, including Coventry back in the 22/23 season where the Sky Blues
reached the Championship play-off final. The 21 year-old registered 8 goal contributions in 40 games from left-back on loan at Norwich in the 24/25 season.
A versatile threat across the defence is a useful asset for any side, but offers a good defensive option with previous experience at the club, albeit under a different set-up. The young Manchester City player expressed that he wants a permanent home and will be looking for a permanent move instead of another loan spell out from the City academy.
He registered 3,442 minutes on loan at the Canaries with 83% of them coming from being in the starting eleven. Doyle has plenty of experience at this level to be a useful asset to Coventry both now and in the future should he sign. The only downfall to the deal could be the price tag. Transfermarkt values the 5 time capped England U21’s defender at 15 million euros which equates to 12.6 million pounds – a hefty fee for a player at this level.
Charlie Kelman: ST (QPR)
Charlie Kelman has undoubtedly impressed during his loan spell with Leyton Orient throughout the season, contributing to 27 goals, scoring 23. This being said, you’d naturally expect QPR to give him a chance in the Championship, as they lack a natural goalscorer in their side.
Sources suggest that no fewer than 8 Championship sides who remain unnamed are interested in the American striker, and I suspect that Coventry may be one of them. Simply put, they need goals, and with Haji Wright being preferred up front, he needs competition for when he plays through poor spells or is deployed out on the left flank. Ellis Simms is another option, but it would seem that Lampard doesn’t get on with the former Everton striker.
He managed 3,394 minutes in 46 appearances this season for Orient, being a key reason as to why they managed to get to the playoffs, being involved in 36% of there total goals in the 24/25 season. Should he sign for the Sky Blues, I believe he would likely lead the line when Haji Wright is deployed on the left and compete for that striker spot when Ephron Mason-Clark is out wide for Frank Lampard’s side.
Callum Wilson: ST (Newcastle/Free Agent)
Callum Wilson is a name that Coventry fans will remember fondly having spent time at the Sky Blues previously; leaving for Bournemouth back in 2014. Wilson was most recently at Newcastle, and though he has struggled at times with injuries in his spell at St James’ Park, he has been a consistent performer for the Magpies.
The likelihood of this deal happening is slim with a couple of Premier League teams interested in the 33 year-old striker, but the allure of returning to his boyhood team could go a long way in making this transfer possible.
Wilson still has a lot to offer, especially at Championship level, and could be the difference maker for Coventry come next season. The striker only managed 357 minutes in the Premier League, spanning across 18 matches in the 24/25 season, and failing to contribute to any goals. But the experienced forward did have his struggles with a back injury earlier in the campaign.
When Wilson last played at this level in the 2014/15 season, he managed an impressive 33 goal contributions for Bournemouth as they won the Championship title. Albeit a long time ago, I still believe Wilson would be able to contribute to at least 15 goals if he can stay fit, he is a natural finisher; and with Lampard seemingly out of patience with Ellis Simms, it could be his time to return and push for promotion back to the Premier League.
