Coventry City supporters are yet to see any new arrivals as the club prepares for its return to the top flight, with pre-season preparations in full swing.

Lampard is putting his current crop of players through their routines in Spain during the Sky Blues’ second week of training camp. The majority of the squad returned to training last week, completing fitness assessments at Coventry University before moving on to ball work at Ryton.

Here Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner addresses supporters’ concerns.

Why have no signings materialised yet?

While Lampard would ideally prefer new faces as soon as possible, particularly during training camps when bonding opportunities are at their best, the transfer window remains in its early stages. Very few clubs are conducting much business at present, and the World Cup has complicated matters significantly, with numerous players having featured in the tournament before heading off on delayed holidays before returning for pre-season duties.

Additionally, many transfers are rarely straightforward. Coventry are operating in a very different market now, and their targets will have numerous alternatives and salary considerations to weigh up. Some may require persuasion to join a newly-promoted club rather than a more established top-flight side.

Can supporters be assured Coventry will sign what they need to be competitive next season?

The most significant indication of the club’s ambitions this summer was Lampard committing his future to Coventry by signing a fresh deal. He would not have tied himself to the club without receiving guarantees from Doug King that he would receive support to strengthen the squad for the coming season.

The Sky Blues have been connected with several notable names, though much of this stems from speculation and overseas reports. It should be remembered that many rumours are initiated by agents promoting their clients.

It should also be noted that Dean Austin and his recruitment team will have cast their net widely, making enquiries about the availability of numerous players across many clubs.

Lampard has committed his future to Coventry City

What is happening with the pursuit of Carl Rushworth?

This situation is understandably generating considerable frustration, with some supporters reaching the point where they believe Coventry should shift their attention to alternative targets.

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that a second offer for the 24-year-old goalkeeper had been turned down by Brighton, who are understood to have previously rejected an opening bid of £20million.

What is known is that while Coventry have been linked with Everton backup Mark Travers and Olympiacos’ Greek international Konstantinos Tzolakis, Rushworth remains their primary target and, CoventryLive understands, talks with Brighton continue.

Givemesport report that the Sky Blues are preparing one final offer for the player as negotiations appear to have reached a frustrating point, with Brighton seemingly resistant on the asking price.

However, Coventry’s position is strengthened by the fact that Rushworth is eager to join and determined to be a first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League next season, rather than second or third choice. Currently, Brighton have Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele ahead of him.

The expectation is that patience is required, with confidence that Lampard will ultimately secure his signature.

Coventry City continue to pursue Carl Rushworth

What can be stated with certainty about any signings?

Swiss international Aurele Amenda is the only other player who appears likely to join the Sky Blues. The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt defender is reported by several well-informed and reliable German sources to be heading to the CBS Arena this summer.

The player is currently at the World Cup with his country, and while he is yet to play any part in their matches, his imposing presence was visible celebrating on the pitch after Switzerland’s penalty shootout victory over Columbia on Tuesday secured their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Messi’s Argentina.

Coventry City transfer target Aurele Amenda in action against Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26

Which positions are most important?

Beyond the obvious need for a new goalkeeper, Lampard is clearly seeking defenders. The club have been linked with several centre-backs, and Amenda fits the requirement for someone big, strong and physical. However, they would ideally also want someone quicker, such as Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan or Wolfsburg’s Greek defender Konstantinos Koulierakis.

A new left-back to challenge Jay Dasilva also appears necessary, while the midfield is an area that could do with some craft and experience, with the likes of Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Villa’s Ross Barkley and Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis among those linked.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark also require strong competition on the flanks. It remains to be seen whether January arrival Jahnoah Markelo can step up at this stage of his development, though his minimal involvement in his first few months at the club suggests otherwise.

The club have been strongly linked with 22-year-old Brazilian left winger Matheus Martins from Botafogo.

Coventry City have been strongly linked with interest in Matheus Martins of Botafogo

Finally, there is clearly a need for goals, and Coventry continue to be linked with Lois Openda. According to Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Coventry maintain their interest in the 26-year-old Belgian striker who had a disappointing first season at Juventus after arriving from RB Leipzig on loan with an obligation to buy for a reported €40million.

Italian reports claim Coventry have made several enquiries to Juventus about Openda and could make a move, with Juventus said to be willing to accept a loan with an option to buy.

Who is likely to leave this summer?

This naturally depends on who arrives, but if Coventry sign a couple of centre-backs then Luke Woolfenden is the most probable to free up space, while Joel Latibeaudiere may also find first-team opportunities limited next season.

The same applies to left-backs Miguel Brau, who really needs to move on to play regular football after failing to establish himself at Coventry, while Jake Bidwell is also likely to see limited Premier League minutes. Nevertheless, his excellent character will be a valuable asset to the squad.

Loan moves appear likely for the likes of Markelo, along with potential sales of Raphael and Norman Bassette. Should a new striker arrive, there would clearly be scope for one of last season’s key forwards to be sold to raise funds, with Ellis Simms perhaps the most obvious candidate.

Frank Onyeka and Jack Rudoni at Coventry City’s training camp in Spain

Who is in Spain for the pre-season camp?

The entire senior squad is present in Marbella, except Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante, who are taking a break following their difficult World Cup experiences where neither saw much game time for their respective countries.

The positive news is that those who travelled include Jack Rudoni, who appears to be recovering well from his late-season shoulder operation and is hopefully on track to be available for the season opener.

The travelling group includes Norman Bassette, despite ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Standard Liege, as well as returning loanees Kai Andrews, Callum Perry and Raphael. Lampard has also brought along a couple of development players, with defender Tristen Batanwi and goalkeeper Eliot Meredith included.

There are also four other goalkeepers present, with fit-again Oliver Dovin, Ben Wilson, Oscar Varney and Luke Bell all available.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto at Coventry City’s training camp in Spain

What is planned for the training camp?

The week involves intensive training combining fitness work, gym sessions and pitch time, expected to conclude with a behind-closed-doors match at the weekend before Coventry return to Ryton to prepare for their first official pre-season friendly against Northampton Town on Saturday, July 18 at 2pm.

The players have had some relaxation time, including a couple of golf sessions.