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Coventry City had an unusual season in 2024/25, going from the edge of the relegation zone under Mark Robins before climbing the league and ending up in the play-offs with Frank Lampard.
Many were sceptical about Frank Lampard coming in at first, but he soon proved everyone wrong and helped Coventry put together a record-breaking run of form in the second half of the campaign.
Ultimately, the play-off adventure ended in heartbreak for Coventry, with eventual winners Sunderland winning their semi-final at the death.
Now, ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, the Sky Blues must make smart additions in the summer transfer window and go one better next season.
To do so, we think Lampard should target these five players.
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Five players Frank Lampard must target for Coventry City this summer
Freddie Woodman
It was a tale of two ‘keepers for Coventry City last season, with duties shared between Oliver Dovin and Brad Collins. That’s not ideal, and the Sky Blues would really benefit from bringing in a firm number one this summer.
Among the array of free agents in the Championship, Freddie Woodman has been released by Preston North End having failed to agree a new contract there. He was one of the best goalkeepers outside the top six last season, and would be a brilliant addition for any side this summer.
Alfie Gilchrist
The Chelsea youngster enjoyed a decent loan spell with Sheffield United last season, filling in across the backline for the Blades. Injuries did hamper his progress somewhat, but he still showed he is a class act and more than capable of holding his own in the Championship.
He’s now thought to be available for a permanent move this summer after becoming surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. A number of second tier sides will be chasing, but Lampard could use his Chelsea links to steal ahead and nab another right-back to provide competition for Milan van Ewijk.
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Kaine Kesler-Hayden
On the other side of defence, it is thought Coventry are tracking Kaine Kesler-Hayden. The Aston Villa ace comes off the back of a brilliant season with Preston North End, but now the loan spell is at an end, his long-term future is in the air.
Villa are believed to want £5m for the left-back. Middlesbrough and Southampton also like Kesler-Hayden, but Coventry would be delighted to secure his signature and get that balance on both sides of the backline.
Ethan Galbraith
Coventry aren’t exactly lacking in talent in the middle of the park, with the likes of Jack Rudoni, Ben Sheaf, and Josh Eccles all accomplished in their own ways. But, you can always have more, especially with Victor Torp picking up that injury last season, and Jamie Allen now getting into his twilight years.
The ideal signing for most Championship clubs in this position for the summer will be Leyton Orient star, Ethan Galbraith. He’s wanted by Swansea already, with a £1m bid rejected in January, but clubs will surely come back in for him in the wake of Orient failing to get promoted.
Tyrique George
Lampard can call in another Chelsea favour this summer and add another exciting winger to his ranks in the form of Tyrique George. The Stamford Bridge starlet has picked up minutes here and there for the Blues and looks bright, but needs a proper, full season of football under his belt.
Coventry already have the likes of Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark in their ranks, but George would offer something a little different and make the Sky Blues a really dangerous prospect out wide next season.