Lampard scouts nine World Cup players as Coventry prepare for Premier League return

Frank Lampard is scouting potential signings at the World Cup as Coventry City gear up for life back in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship. The Sky Blues boss confirmed he is assessing players across multiple positions, with left-back, centre-back, goalkeeper and wide areas identified as priority areas for strengthening.

Speaking on Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football podcast, 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.”

In goal, Coventry’s most immediate concern centres on Carl Rushworth, who has returned to parent club Brighton after his loan spell. City had one permanent offer rejected by the Seagulls and remain keen on the deal. Should that move fall through, Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson — Stoke City’s first choice last season before a shoulder injury — is one option. The 27-year-old, who has 12 Sweden caps, recently signed a new contract at Stoke, which would make any transfer costly.

At centre-back, Coventry are eyeing several options. Cameron Burgess, 30, played every minute of Swansea City’s Championship season after joining from Ipswich Town and brings Premier League experience from the 2024/25 campaign with the Tractor Boys. Jose Cordoba, 24, has established himself as a regular at Norwich City and is set to face England with Panama, a high-profile audition that could attract further interest. Axel Tuanzebe is available on a free transfer after his Burnley contract expired and is currently representing DR Congo, who held Portugal in their opening group fixture.

Promoted clubs have been required to spend upwards of £100 million in recent seasons to give themselves a realistic chance of survival, underlining the scale of investment Coventry may need to make. Lampard’s scouting trip to the United States suggests the club are taking a proactive approach to identifying targets early in the window.