Willock in, Godden out: The dream start to Coventry City’s summer transfer window
Coventry City are set for a busy summer window, and here we look at two deals that could kick-off a dream window for Mark Robins.
Coventry City fell just short of the play-offs but showed quality in a memorable FA Cup run under Mark Robins.
The team faces significant changes this summer, with key players leaving and potential exciting transfers ahead.
Departures like Matty Godden may make way for newcomers like Chris Willock, who could bring added depth and skill.
Coventry City enjoyed another exciting season, even if it ended in disappointment as they just fell short of reaching the play-offs.
Mark Robins continues to do an excellent job with the Sky Blues, and their remarkable FA Cup run was further proof that he is building a team with real quality at the CBS Arena.
The Midlands outfit memorably came from behind in stoppage time to beat Wolves 3-2 in a quarter-final thriller, before VAR denied them arguably the best comeback in English football history when they ultimately lost to Man Utd on penalties after trailing 3-0 in the semi-final at Wembley.
The play-off final defeat to Luton Town 12 months ago was the last game that Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres played for the club, so it was a defeat with real consequences. However, to their credit, the recruitment team brought in some exciting additions to replace them.
And, it promises to be another summer of change for the Sky Blues, with Callum O’Hare set to be leaving on a free transfer amid interest from West Ham.
But, a lot more deals are likely, and here we outline two transfers that could kick off a dream start to the window for Coventry…
Out: Matty Godden
There won’t be much joy when Matty Godden leaves Coventry, as he is a player who has contributed so much over the years, and he was key to the team winning promotion back to the Championship.
Yet, with Ellis Simms and Haji Wright showing their class in the past few months, the reality is that Godden isn’t going to get the game time he wants moving forward, and that has been the case during the run-in.
At 32, he should still have a lot to offer, even if he has to drop down to the third tier once more to become a key figure week in, week out.
With a year left on his deal, this is Coventry’s last chance to get a fee for the attacker, so it seems like the right moment for all parties if Godden does move on. That would also free up space in the squad for Robins to bring in a new forward player.
Charlton have been linked with him recently and the chance to spearhead another promotion push may appeal to the ex-Peterborough United man.
In: Chris Willock
If Godden does depart, along with O’Hare, then bringing in attacking reinforcements is sure to be a priority for Robins when the window opens.
The Sky Blues should be in a position to spend, but the scouting department will always be on the lookout for potential bargains, and one man who falls into that category is Chris Willock.
The QPR man is out of contract with the West Londoners this summer, and he has already been linked with a few Championship clubs, so winning the race for his signature won’t be easy.
Yet, the prospect of joining Coventry is sure to appeal, and his pace and direct style makes him ideally suited to the way that Robins wants to play, and he could make an impact down either flank.
