Why Coventry City must quickly sign €7m-rated Nigerian midfielder to complement Frank Onyeka

Published on by , updated on

Newly promoted Premier League club Coventry City have been linked with Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​This interest arrives as the club looks to strengthen their squad to compete effectively in the Premier League.

This approach is standard for promoted teams, as there is a significant gap between the quality of football in the Championship and the top flight.

Coventry City vs Portsmouth Brandon Thomas-Asante and Frank Onyeka of Coventry City celebrate winning the Championship.
Brandon Thomas-Asante and Frank Onyeka of Coventry.
Photo by: ImagoxgodfreyxPitt

To bridge that gap, newly promoted teams usually invest heavily, a feat made possible by the massive €200 million windfall they receive upon securing promotion.

​Dennis would be an excellent addition to the team due to his technical ability, high work rate, and tenacity. His quality will be vital, as the team will likely spend long spells without possession in many of their upcoming fixtures.

Also, Goztepe have set a €7 million price tag on the Nigerian, which falls well within the Sky Blues’ budget. However, Coventry City have been hesitant to finalize the deal, a decision that could prove costly.

Nigeria and Göztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis
Nigeria and Göztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

​Why Coventry City Must Move for Anthony Dennis Quickly

​Goztepe has placed a €7 million valuation on Anthony Dennis, a price that is quite affordable for a club like Coventry City.

​However, delaying a formal bid could turn out to be a mistake, as the Nigerian is also on the radar of fellow Süper Lig clubs Trabzonspor and Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor are looking for a replacement in the event that star midfielder Inao Oulai leaves this summer. Galatasaray want to add a younger and more energetic player to their midfield, as most of their midfielders are above 30 years.

Since Dennis is already acclimated to the rudiments and demands of the Turkish league, he has become their prime target.

Nigeria and Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis
Nigeria and Goztepe midfielder Dennis. Copyright: xSeskimphotoxIMAGO

​Coming off a third-place finish, Trabzonspor are hungry for move success and would be happy to reinvest in the squad should Oulai depart. Galatasaray are also perennial Super Lig champions and have the money to invest.

Coventry City certainly needs to add quality to their ranks this summer. To be successful, the club should look to seal the signing of Dennis quickly so they can focus on securing other necessary reinforcements.

The Nigerian will likely be keen on the transfer, as it will be a significant step up for his career. In his two-year stay in Europe, he has only played in Turkey.

<!-- Author Start -->Kelvin Omachonu<!-- Author End -->

Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Responsible Gambling
  • Odds

Kelvin Omachonu is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 6 years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for 7 years, he specialises in football and basketball odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Betano and 1xBet.