Yahoo News Coventry City's dream transfer window as Gyokeres windfall funds evolution
Coventry City are officially open for business in the summer transfer window with three, technically four, new signings over the line in what is an important period in the club’s evolution.
The returning Luis Binks became the club’s second official capture of the closed season this week, following on from the arrival of right winger Raphael Borges Rodrigues last month, and delayed January signing and winger Ephron Mason-Clark. And more are expected before pre-season gets underway on July 1.
The excitement levels ramped up several notches when Jack Rudoni was unveiled as a reported near £5m capture from Huddersfield Town in a clear statement of intent from Doug King and the club. The Sky Blues don’t need major surgery or another huge turnover of personnel that they experienced this time last year, but Mark Robins is determined to top up and strengthen the foundations of a quality squad that’s already in place – the aim to add a sprinkling of quality to take the team to the next level, and have the wherewithal to make a sustained push for promotion.
They have until 11pm on August 30 to get deals done.
So what would represent a perfect summer window for Robins and the Sky Blues? CoventryLive takes a look.
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Cash windfall
Last summer’s rebuilding process was largely funded by the big sales of Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer and City have to avoid doing the same again. It’s OK cashing in now and again but simply not conducive to improving a squad if you keep selling your best players.
It’s unclear how much money Robins has to spend this time around but a significant cash boost from the sell-on clause in Gyokeres’ contract would go a long way to helping fund some choice new additions. And there was some good news this week with Arsenal reported to be 'very close' to securing the services of the Sweden star.
O'Hare upgrade and Sheaf statement of intent
If we are talking ideal scenarios, then Callum O’Hare would have signed a new contract and given City at least one more year. It’s looking increasingly unlikely, of course, and the reality is that O’Hare will walk away for free at the end of this month, leaving head of recruitment Dean Austin needing to produce an exciting playmaker to take his place and compete with Kasey Palmer.
And whoever comes in has to be as good as, if not better than O'Hare. That has to be a priority. The arrival of Rudoni has sparked much debate over whether he's the man to fill O'Hare's attacking boots. Able to play as an eight or further forward in a ten, we await to see where Robins sees the versatile 23-year-old fitting in, but his arrival is certainly a good start towards filling that void.
Just as important is keeping hold of influential midfielder Ben Sheaf. Favourite to be the club’s new captain, the former Arsenal prospect is seen as a key man in the team. He has ambitions to return to the Premier League and has been linked with interest from a number of top flight clubs.
He has two years left on his current deal but why not make a statement of intent and offer him a new and improved deal?
Freshen up as old guard move on
City have a handful of contracted players who appear to be at a crossroads in their Sky Blues careers; players who have slipped down the pecking order and who may well be seeking more regular football elsewhere. This could be a mutually beneficial time for the likes of striker Matty Godden and goalkeeper Ben Wilson, who could be re-energised by a move while their wages can be used elsewhere on young and hungry replacements.
The squad could arguably do with a really talented keeper to provide competition for Brad Collins; someone in the mould of Keiren Westwood when he first joined the club – a standout and consistent performer, ready-made for the Prem.
A young striker and someone different to the current big man duo of Haji Wright and Ellis Simms would also be a welcome addition to City’s forward line options.
And although a move would be unpopular with the fans, Jake Bidwell could well find himself making way for a more attack-minded full-back option to compete with Jay Dasilva, albeit the latter needing to step up after an indifferent first season at the CBS Arena.
The only other contracted player that there could be question marks over is Jamie Allen. Mark Robins, however, has already spoken about looking forward to seeing him back to his best next season after a campaign dogged by illness and injury. And from a squad perspective, the energetic and versatile midfielder is the perfect club man who can fill various roles. The question is, will the 29-year-old be content with a bit-part role or not being a guaranteed regular starter?
Numbers up
Whatever happens, an absolute priority has to be to increase the size of the squad to avoid being caught short, as City were during the back end of the season when injuries and suspensions kicked in amid a congested schedule brought about by the club’s success in the FA Cup.
It’s a real balancing act, of course, and Robins won’t want a top heavy squad that could lead to unrest and unhappiness from players who struggle for game time, but he needs to have enough quality to ensure that he doesn’t have to make up his bench with two or three development teens, as was often the case last season.
Squad strengthened
The best-case scenario for the Sky Blues is to emerge from the window in a stronger position; with strength in depth throughout the squad. That will certainly be the club’s aim.
A few key additions could be enough for the club to push on, with a dynamic midfielder in the Gus Hamer mould, and an exciting play-maker to replace O’Hare, seen as vital areas to strengthen.
A right-back to compete and provide cover for Milan van Ewijk is also required and some vital expeience and leadership wouldn't go a miss following the departures of Liam Kelly and Kyle Mcfadzean.
If City can get business done early, all the better. Having a pre-season with the bulk of his squad in place would be a boost for Robins. Likewise, avoiding any deadline day panic buying.
