Frank Lampard plans to strengthen Coventry City’s team in the upcoming January transfer window to improve their position in the Championship standings.
The Sky Blues’ season has been eventful, with long-serving manager Mark Robins dismissed in November and replaced by Lampard. Lampard has had a respectable start at the CBS Arena, but has not set the globe alight.
However, the January transfer window will give the ex-Chelsea manager the opportunity to bring in his own players while unloading those who do not fit into his plans, and a successful January might create the groundwork for a solid second half of the season.
The balance of the 2024/25 season appears to be a transition era for Coventry, although fans will expect more than what they’ve seen thus far.
With that in mind, here are the players Coventry should aim to sign in January.
3
Marcus Bettinelli
Neither Oliver Dovin nor Brad Collins have been able to establish themselves in Coventry City’s starting XI this season, and the club might benefit from an experienced custodian until the end of the season before reassessing the position in the summer.
Marcus Bettinelli is currently at Chelsea, where he is far down the pecking order, and Lampard might ask his former club for a favour by signing the 32-year-old on loan until the end of the season.
Bettinelli’s 137 Championship appearances would provide Coventry City a veteran custodian to replace Dovin and Collins, who have both struggled this season.
Of course, Bettinelli is not a long-term answer, but he would alleviate a potential problem between the sticks for the remainder of the season, and the former Fulham shot-stopper still has a lot to offer at Championship level.
2
Tyler Bindon
According to Football League World, Reading centre-back Tyler Bindon is being pursued by Coventry City, Watford, and Hull. The New Zealand international would be a terrific addition to the Sky Blues.
Royals centre back Tyler Bindon is drawing notice as January approaches.
The 19-year-old has been an outstanding performer in League One for the Royals this season, and their financial position means he will be available at a low cost in January.
While Coventry are well-stocked at centre-half, with Liam Kitching, Bobby Thomas, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Luis Binks on their books, Bindon appears to be a future star, capable of making the step-up to the Championship despite his age.
The New Zealand international is someone Coventry could potentially sell on for more money in the future, a lucrative circumstance they’ve already used with Viktor Gyokeres and Gus Hamer.
1
Kai Wagner
The recruitment of Philadelphia Union wing-back Kai Wagner, who is apparently being considered by the Sky Blues and several other teams, should be Coventry City’s top priority in January.
According to a report by journalist Florian Plettenberg earlier this month, the 27-year-old would be a needed addition for the Sky Blues, and Coventry, Burnley, Atalanta, and Parma are all interested in signing him.
| Kai Wagner’s senior career – Transfermarkt | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Seasons | P | G | A |
| SSV Ulm | 2015-16 | 34 | 1 | 7 |
| Schalke 04 II | 2016-17 | 33 | 0 | 1 |
| Wurzburger Kickers | 2017-19 | 47 | 0 | 3 |
| Philadelphia Union | 2019- | 215 | 8 | 44 |
Lampard’s wing-back options include Milan van Ewijk, Jake Bidwell, and Jay Dasilva, but none of them have given Coventry a reliable option going forward who can contribute with goals and assists, something Wagner has demonstrated in the MLS.
Signing an unknown 27-year-old from the MLS would be a bit of a risk for Coventry, but he’s obviously doing something right to get interest from several clubs, thus he should be the top priority for the Sky Blues in January.
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