Frank Lampard has embarked on a scouting mission in the United States, evaluating potential World Cup stars to bolster Coventry City's squad ahead of their Premier League return. Promoted clubs typically need to spend over £100 million to compete, and Lampard is targeting reinforcements at left-back, centre-back, out wide, and in goal.
Key Areas of Need
Last season's number one, Carl Rushworth, has returned to Brighton after his loan spell. Coventry have had one offer rejected but remain keen on a permanent deal. Lampard's most pressing needs are at left-back, centre-back, and wide positions, with the goalkeeping position also a priority.
Speaking on Gary Lineker's The Rest is Football show, Lampard said: "The World Cup is a great stage to look at players, so we're looking across the spectrum of players, but yeah, we're looking at that."
Goalkeeping Target: Viktor Johansson
If Coventry cannot secure Rushworth, they may target Sweden international Viktor Johansson, 27, who was Stoke City's first-choice goalkeeper last season before a severe shoulder injury sidelined him for four months. He returned late in the campaign and earned a place in Sweden's World Cup squad as understudy to the 36-year-old Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Johansson, who has 12 caps, recently signed a new contract at Stoke, meaning he would not come cheap.
Centre-Back Options
Cameron Burgess
Australia defender Cameron Burgess, 30, played every minute of Swansea City's Championship campaign after moving from Ipswich Town. He has Premier League experience from Ipswich's 2024/25 top-flight season. Coventry could offer him a final chance at Premier League football.
Jose Cordoba
Norwich City's Jose Cordoba, 24, will showcase his abilities to a broader English audience when Panama faces England at the World Cup. A regular for the Canaries, he would welcome the opportunity to step up to the highest level.
Axel Tuanzebe
Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, 28, is available on a free transfer after his contract expired. Currently focused on DR Congo's World Cup campaign, where they held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, he made only 16 appearances last season due to injury.
Midfield Targets
Paik Seung-ho
Birmingham City's Paik Seung-ho, 29, has been a driving force in midfield since joining in January 2024. He has started both of South Korea's World Cup matches. With Birmingham not in the Premier League, this summer could be his best opportunity to make the leap.
Edson Alvarez
West Ham's Edson Alvarez, 28, spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce and reportedly has no desire to return to the relegated Hammers. He helped Mexico secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages and could face England in the last 16 before deciding his club future.
Hannibal Mejbri
Tunisia and Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri, 23, is widely expected to move on after the World Cup. He was one of the few bright spots in Burnley's relegation campaign and would be an astute signing for any promoted club.
Wide Players
Takefusa Kubo
Japan's Takefusa Kubo, a right-sided winger who cuts inside onto his left foot, has shone at Real Sociedad since 2022. Linked with numerous clubs, he could depart Spain this summer.
Relebohile Mofokeng
One of Africa's most exciting talents, the 21-year-old Orlando Pirates winger made his World Cup debut against the Czech Republic, helping South Africa secure a 1-1 draw. He is strongly linked with a move to Europe.
