Coventry City

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Former Coventry City goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic is "sure business will be done in the next few weeks" as the Sky Blues prepare to end their 25-year absence from the Premier League.

Speaking to BBC CWR before Thursday's signing of Switzerland defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt, Ogrizovic said: "We've had all the adulation, enjoyment and excitement of last season and the fact we have made it into the Premier League. Now, it's all starting get a bit real.

"The fans want to see people come in. They want to see what type of team we are going to have at the start of the season.

"It will be interesting to see who comes in and it will be interesting to see how we do during those early stages."

On facing Arsenal in the opening game of the top-flight campaign, Ogrizovic said: "We've got a great start to the season. To play the current champions in your first game of the season away is absolutely fantastic.

"You've got to play the top teams at some stage, so play them early. Arsenal will be without the players that are playing in the World Cup."

Frank Lampard's side face Hull City in their first home game and Ogrizovic added: "Everybody expects us to beat Hull because we're at home and they're a promoted side with us - but that won't be easy. We can certainly get three points against Hull."

On bringing in new players for the season ahead, he said: "Coventry do well on recruitment. They do look at the players and they do look at the stats and the data, and you've got to hope that there is some real growth in that player.

"It looks like you're not getting a player for anywhere near less than £20m. That's the premium you pay for being a Premier League club. There's going to have to be more as well. It will just be interesting to see who they are and how much it is going to cost."

Hit play below to hear the full clip below or listen here on BBC Sounds

Fulhamhave joined Coventry and Chelsea in looking at Strasbourg and Ivory Coast winger Martial Godo, 23. (Africafoot - in French), external

Newcastle are in talks over Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who spent last season on loan at Coventry. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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New Coventry City defender Aurele Amenda said "I felt the trust and I liked the project" as he signed for the Sky Blues from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a four-year contract and cost an initial £15.4m, with a further £1.7m in add-ons.

"I'm really happy and it's a privilege to be here," Amenda told club media.

"After the first call with the gaffer, I felt the trust and I liked the project, so I feel this is a really good step for me.

"I cannot wait to meet everyone at the club, especially the fans but, of course, my team-mates.

"I like to defend my goal but I like to play. I'm really calm with the ball so I can help the team with this."

Amenda was part of the Switzerland squad which reached the World Cup quarter-finals, but did not make an appearance at the tournament.

He added: "I want to win. I want to help the team and the club succeed. I'm really looking forward to playing in this beautiful stadium, to meet the fans, to celebrate with them, to win with them.

"I want to score here as well so I can't wait to get started."

The World Cup is doing a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is a Coventry City fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

Get in touch here

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On the latest episode of BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast, Coventry supporter Heather Mills spoke about a "watchable" playing style as the newly promoted side prepare for their first season in the Premier League for 25 years.

"The way we played last season was incredible. We surpassed any expectations that any of us had. Now it's a whole different ball game," said Mills.

"We're in the Premier League and teams aren't going to know what we are about to begin with. In some ways, it is quite good that we have got Manchester City and Arsenal early.

"They will do their homework but I still think we have got the ability and opportunity to maybe surprise them a little bit with our playing style, which was very watchable last year and got us the results we needed in the Championship.

"Will it do the same in the Premier League? I don't know. We've got an opener at home against Hull City which I would like to think is three points and we kick on from there."

BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney added: "Buying talent and potential is one thing but you do need some course-and-distance players in the Premier League.

"Whether [owner and chairman] Doug King likes that model or not, if they are going to make a reasonable fist of staying up, then they need some course-and-distance players who have done it at that level for a fairly sustained period of time."

Listen to the Sky Blues Fancast on BBC Sounds

A new edition of the BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast is now available.

Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich talks to Coventry supporters about new signing Loum Tchaouna, how the playing style may change in the Premier League, and squad depth.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.

We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.

As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.

BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.

We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.

Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.

Our reporters, including senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, will be breaking the big transfer stories on our website and app.

We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.

For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.

Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.

Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.

Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.

Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.

Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.

And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.

Read more about what content you can expect here

Pre-season is just around the corner and the Premier League returns in less than 50 days.

Here is Coventry's pre-season schedule - with kick-off times in BST.

• 18 July v Northampton Town (A) - 14:00

• 8 August v Espanyol (H) - 17:30

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Coventry's first signing of the summer, Loum Tchaouna, says he will bring "energy, determination and leadership" to Frank Lampard's Sky Blues, after joining from Burnley on a five-year contract.

"I'm so excited to start this new season in the Premier League," said the 22-year-old Frenchman. "I'm feeling good and ready for the challenge.

"I was at Burnley last season in the Premier League, which was incredible.

"I'm going to bring my energy, determination and leadership to the team. I've played in Ligue 1, Serie A and now I'm playing in the Premier League - the best league in the world - so I have a lot of experience for my young age.

"I'm so excited to play at the Coventry Building Society Arena and I can't wait for the new season."

Tchaouna joined Burnley from Lazio last summer and scored three goals in 32 appearances as the Clarets were unable to preserve their top-flight status.

Hit play below to hear BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich discussing Tchaouna, or listen on BBC Sounds here

A host of English clubs, including Coventry City and West Ham, are tracking Bodo/Glimt midfielder Patrick Berg, 28, following his performances for Norway at the World Cup. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

In the final part of Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich's Coventry Q&A, they focus on the benefit of few Coventry players featuring at the World Cup and away-day experiences.

Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?

Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.

Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.

Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?

Frank Lampard has been crystal clear about fitness from day one. When he arrived, he made it a non‑negotiable, and it's something he's passionate about. It'll be a major factor in how he manages the squad heading into the new season.

• Back Where We Belong - a six-part documentary charting Coventry's 25-year journey back to the Premier League. Listen on BBC Sounds here

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Glenn asked: What's your favourite away day covering Coventry City and what's your worst one?

Rob: These sort of questions are always impossible with just one answer! For obvious reasons, for what it meant, Blackburn last season now leaps to the top of my list. So many incredible memories generated that night; to be treasured for a lifetime.

Honourable mentions must go, though, to White Hart Lane 1997, the Greatest Escape, and Villa Park in both 1998 and 99. But I'm lucky enough to have seen City win away at all the top clubs over the years, the first time around, and hopefully there are a few more treats in store in the coming months.

Villa Park again features in my "worst" category, 2001. Say no more. But also Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-final replay in 1998. Losing on penalties.

I'm still convinced we'd have beaten Newcastle in the semi-final at Old Trafford, and who knows then in a one-off game against Arsenal in the final? As Frank Lampard says, though, you need to experience the bitter disappointments to appreciate it fully when the good times come around.

Scroll down to read the rest of the Q&A.

And remember, this is your Coventry City page so bookmark it, or if you're on the BBC Sport app or signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' to add it to your MySport and get more news, analysis, stats and fan views - and also select the bell icon tin the app o sign up for club notifications.

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The third part of a special Q&A with BBC CWR's Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich looks at one defender's future and the potential starting XI for the season opener against Arsenal.

Harry asked: Do you think Miguel Angel Brau has a future at Coventry City?

Will: It's been a tough spell for the Spanish left‑back. Miguel has managed just 11 appearances for the Sky Blues, with only three starts, during that time and promotion to the Premier League will squeeze his minutes even further.

Jay Dasilva was outstanding last season and it's hard to see him being dislodged. Meanwhile, Jake Bidwell is entering the final year of his deal - he could seek regular football elsewhere or be happy to provide cover along the backline next season with the acceptance of minimal game time.

That's why another left‑back arriving to provide competition for Dasilva wouldn't surprise me. Miguel only signed a four‑year contract 12 months ago, so a loan move feels far more likely than a permanent exit. At 24, he needs games - and a season in League One might be exactly what he needs

• Listen to Sky Blues Fancast Live every Monday and Friday at 18:00 and subscribe to the Coventry City page on BBC Sounds

Allan asked: Who in the current squad could or should be in the line-up against Arsenal?

Rob: If a deal is done for Carl Rushworth, he would be one - off the back of his outstanding Championship title/Golden Glove-winning season.

Milan van Ewijk is someone whose athleticism looks to be suited to the much higher level.

I've always been a big Jack Rudoni fan and despite his injury problems last season, by the time he returned towards the end of the campaign, he showed what a talented player he is. He could display those qualities in the Premier League.

Matt Grimes and Frank Onyeka deserve the chance to show they can be the midfield pivot in the top division.

I like the look of both Tats Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark, too.

The biggest issue is up front because it's certainly debatable whether Haji Wright or Ellis Simms have what it takes to be a Premier League number nine.

That's a question Frank Lampard is no doubt pondering as well.

Come back later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A, which will focus on any benefit of Coventry not having many players at the World Cup.

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Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.

But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?

More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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In the second part of our Coventry Q&A, BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich focus on the Sky Blues' prospective summer transfer business.

Patrick asked: How many signings do you think Frank Lampard needs to make for us to be competitive week in, week out in the Premier League?

Rob: That's always an interesting debating point, isn't it? When I spoke to him a few days ago, for the first time since the end of last season, he told me it was a case of striking a balance between giving the players who'd got the club promoted an opportunity, but also recognising that the squad does need strengthening to not make it a constant struggle.

He wouldn't have signed his new three-year contract if he hadn't had some concrete assurances about recruitment. I would say four or five new faces are needed - certainly no fewer than that.

• Lampard signs new contract to 2029

Warren asked: Why are we waiting so long for new signings?

Will: The World Cup has been the biggest drag on transfer activity across both the Premier League and the EFL. Players rarely move while on international duty and clubs tend to wait until the tournament wraps before pushing deals over the line.

Now that it's coming towards an end, we should finally see some movement - and hopefully in the right direction for Coventry. It'll be the same story with departures.

A few players are likely to leave the CBS Arena, but you'd expect arrivals to come first as Lampard starts shaping his squad for 2026-27. It's likely transfers will go right to the wire, including on deadline day on Monday, 31 August, when the window closes at 23:00 BST.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts three and four, which will look at subjects including Miguel Angel Brau's future and the starting XI for the season opener against Arsenal.

Coventry are set to sign 22-year-old Switzerland defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £17m deal. (Bild via SportWitness, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you to send in your questions for BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich. In the first part of a special Q&A, they focus on expectations going into Coventry's first Premier League season since 2000-2001.

Barrie asked: What are the board'' expectations for the coming season?

Rob: I definitely think staying in the Premier League is the minimum requirement this season, and in every interview I've seen or heard Doug King do, that's what he's always said.

He also made a big play of doing it "the Cov way" and not doing what Sunderland did and basically sign a whole new team, although you could argue that massively paid off for them as they had an outstanding first season back, culminating in European football. We all know from cautionary tales that it's just as easy to waste £100m as spend it wisely.

• Get all the latest Coventry content by subscribing to this dedicated feed on BBC Sounds

Diane asked: Where do you see us in the Premier League at Christmas? I think we could be at least 12th but it would take more players to come in.

Will: Anywhere 17th and above would be a solid return. As we sit here at the start of July, with no incomings through the door, it's tough to pin down exactly what this squad is capable of.

What will shape the Premier League is the sheer volume of European football - nine clubs juggling midweek fixtures, long travel and the reality of three‑game weeks. That's where sides like Crystal Palace and Sunderland could face a real test as to whether they can sustain this across the 2026-27 season. Time will tell.

Christmas will be the true halfway marker and give us a clearer read, but as Europe and the domestic cups roll on, squads will stretch and players will tire - and that's exactly where the Sky Blues could find an edge if they put all their eggs in one basket and focus on the Premier League.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts two, three and four of the Q&A, which will look at subjects including summer recruitment and how Frank Lampard should manage his squad.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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Haji Wright's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign has come to an end following the United States defeat to Belgium in the last 16.

And while the USA are left to ponder where it all went wrong in Seattle, Coventry supporters are left scratching their heads as to why Mauricio Pochettino even bothered to take striker Wright.

Wright featured in two of USA's five matches and played for a combined total of just two minutes, coming on as a last-minute substitute against Australia and Belgium.

Following a Championship title winning campaign - in which Wright scored 17 times - he touched the ball just twice at the World Cup.

It was a no-doubt frustrating tournament for Wright which was a stark contrast to the role he played in Qatar 2022.

Under Gregg Berhalter, Wright made his senior national team debut in June 2022 and was named in the winter World Cup squad just a few months later.

Wright appeared in all four matches in Qatar, making one start and three substitute appearances, and played a total of 135 minutes. The USA exited the competition in the last 16 that year following a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands, but Wright was their only scorer on that occasion.

Fast forward to this summer and the USA had a lot of attacking options for this home World Cup.

But Wright was still expected to be named in the 26-man squad based on his previous 19 caps, his successful club season at Coventry and Patrick Agyemang's absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

He was not widely expected to start for the USA, but many would have thought his cameos would have equated to more than just two minutes.

Folarin Balogun is Pochettino's first choice striker, with the Monaco man playing a total of 314 minutes at the 2026 competition.

PSV's Ricardo Pepi is second in line and played alongside Balogun against Australia. Pepi was chosen to lead the line against Turkey in the final group game when they had already sealed first place qualifying spot.

Pochettino opted to rest players who were on yellow cards in that match, meaning just three of the 11 players in the first XI had started a World Cup match before - but even still Wright remained on the bench.

Now that the USA have been knocked out, Wright is expected to return to Coventry City for pre-season at the end of July.

His World Cup experience may be over before it even began, but Frank Lampard will no doubt be pleased his striker has come back injury-free and ready for the new Premier Legaue season.

It is less than 50 days until the start of the new season - and for Coventry City that marks a new era in the Premier League.

The Sky Blues are yet to make their first signing of the summer but there has been plenty going on around the club, with the 1987-inspired kit release coinciding with the Cov Store opening and Frank Lampard also signing a new long-term contract.

There is lots to discuss, so BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.

What do you want to know about the Sky Blues right now?

Get in touch with your questions here

A new edition of BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast is now available.

Will Oelrich talks to Coventry supporters about the new kit and COV Store, as well as England's progress at the World Cup.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

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We asked your views on which free agents Coventry City could target this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Freddie: First, I would push to sign John Stones on a free. He would be an excellent addition with bags of experience to that backline. Secondly, I would avoid trying to bring in someone like Lois Openda, who is neither worth the price tag nor the kind of number nine we need.

Joanne: I would have loved CCFC to sign Kieran Trippier, but it looks like he'll stay at Wolves, even though he didn't seem pleased that they sacked Rob Edwards! So thinking I'd like Stones.

Paz: Yves Bissouma all day! The others are a bit old and the wage demands wouldn't justify it, whereas Bissouma is still in his 20s and has a lot too offer. His standards dropped last season during a very poor campaign for Spurs, but put him in the right environment with the right manager and I think he can do really well. Obviously he'd be back-up to Super Matty Grimes.

Jonathan: I hope the Sky Blues are able to sign a player who has played in the Premier League for quite some time. Someone who has perhaps won trophies and can bring leadership and vital experience. Someone who the younger players can look up to and think... yes, I want to play alongside him, I want to learn from him. It would be someone who still loves the game, who can really buy into the project and season, and who wants to help to take this great football club forward even more.

John: Stones would be a brilliant addition for us, but I don't think we can afford his wages.

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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes