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Coventry City’s promotion back to the Premier League may have sparked huge celebrations, but the hard work really begins now. Winning the Championship is one thing; building a squad capable of surviving and competing in the top flight is something else entirely.
That is the challenge facing Frank Lampard and the Coventry hierarchy as they prepare for life among England’s elite. Promotion brings excitement, momentum and renewed belief, but it also raises the stakes in every area of the football club.
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Lampard is said to be keen for clarity over the club’s plans heading into the new campaign, which is no surprise given the scale of the task ahead.
Any manager in his position would want assurances over the level of backing available and the profile of player Coventry intend to target. Experience, leadership and proven quality are likely to be high on the agenda as they look to give themselves the best possible platform for survival.
And it seems that’s what they are targeting according to Football Insider, who report that Lampard’s side are seeking a move for former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
It is a move that, on the surface, makes plenty of sense. Coventry need footballers who understand the demands of the division, while Wijnaldum is thought to be keen on a return to England after his time away.
His current contract expires at the end of the season at Al-Ettifaq, and he is expected to move on having racked up 100 appearance for the Dammam outfit.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Wijnaldum has impressed in Saudi Arabia, registering 15 goals and six assists in 29 appearances this term.
Wijnaldum spent five hugely successful years at Liverpool after arriving from Newcastle United in 2016, becoming one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted players. The Dutchman went on to make 237 appearances for the Reds, scoring 22 goals and playing a central role in one of the club’s most successful modern sides.