With the ‘undisclosed’ deadline acquisition of Barnsley defender Liam Kitching, Coventry City wrapped up their summer transfer activity.
Following a summer-long quest by the Sky Blues for the left-sided central defender who began his career at Leeds United, the 23-year-old captain of the Tykes signed a four-year contract. He is the eleventh player that Mark Robins has signed this transfer window, during which City has added nine permanent players and two season-long loans.
We’ve looked at the new-look squad’s development after one month of the 2023–24 season. With the exception of Kitching, all of the new additions have played in their first team games.
Dasilva, Jay
Josh Wilson-Esbrand, a young player on loan who was brought in to give the team an attacking boost after he left in January, has already shown that the free transfer from Bristol City is a significant improvement. With some impressive performances, the 25-year-old is presently keeping Jake Bidwell off the bench. Even though it’s still early, the former Chelsea prospect is off to a strong start. Josh Wilson-Esbrand, a young player on loan who was brought in to give the team an attacking boost after he left in January, has already shown that the free transfer from Bristol City is a significant improvement. With some impressive performances, the 25-year-old is presently keeping Jake Bidwell off the bench. Even though it’s still early, the former Chelsea prospect is off to a strong start.
Simms, Ellis
The massive center-forward, who cost £3.5 million from Everton and went on to cost £5 million, was brought in with a hefty price tag and the pressure of expectations to succeed Viktor Gyokeres. The contract was reportedly worth up to £8 million, subject to different add-ons based on his performance and Coventry’s promotion. The 22-year-old has had a sluggish start to the Championship season and is yet to score for the Sky Blues despite having four goals in the preseason. He has all the skills necessary to succeed and demonstrated his danger at this level while on loan at Sunderland last season, but Simms seems to be a slow starter who will hopefully settle in quickly with the aid of excellent coaching.
Sakamoto Tatsuhiro
The dynamic Japan international immediately had fans on the edge of their seats with his direct attacking style at right wing-back after joining for £1.2 million from Belgian club KV Oostende. At this early stage of the game, Milan van Ewijk’s subsequent arrival has made the 26-year-old more of an impact player off the bench, despite the versatile player’s obvious potential and technical prowess who can also play as an offensive midfielder. Another who, ideally, will develop during the season and has a ton of promise and potential.
Robert Collins
The former Chelsea prospect joined for an undisclosed price from Barnsley and was another who participated in Adi Viveash’s program. He needs to wait for his opportunity.
Robert Collins
The former Chelsea prospect joined for an undisclosed price from Barnsley and was another who participated in Adi Viveash’s program. Although he must wait his turn to replace first-choice goalkeeper Ben Wilson, he is regarded as a player who may enter the game and contend for a starting position. Time will only tell.
Latibeaudiere, Joel
The Jamaican international, who has made an immediate impact in an excellent back three, was acquired by City from Swansea for a compensation sum. Despite being a right-sided center back, the 23-year-old has so far been used to the left of Kyle McFadzean and has excelled. He is technically sound on the ball, has a lot of pace, and strength. Looks like a really good business move.
Tommy Bobby
The 6’4″ center back from Burnley was acquired for £2 million, and after settling in immediately on the right of the back three, he appears to be the ideal replacement for impressive loanee Luke McNally from the previous campaign. On the basis of first impressions, he appears to be an improvement because of his skill with the ball and propensity for gliding upfield while holding it
Van Ewijk, Milan
The 22-year-old cost £3.4 million to acquire from SC Heerenveen, and last week, against Sunderland, he played his greatest game to date and appeared every bit the explosive right wing-back. The Dutch Under-21 international, who is already a fan favorite, has great speed and displayed his defensive focus by helping to contain Jack Clarke of the Black Cats last weekend. In addition,
Luis Binks
The highly-rated left-footed center-back, who was the first of two City loan signings and joined on a season-long stay from Italian club Bologna, is yet to make his Championship debut. The 21-year-old will need to exercise patience given Latibeaudiere’s current form and the slot’s known left footer. Binks, however, who has a ton of talent, fits the club’s development program brilliantly and should only gain from working with Adi Viveash.
Bologna of the Italian Serie A has loaned Luis Binks to Coventry City for the entire season.
