Coventry City will have to battle two other Championship sides to sign Genoa’s Seydou Fini according to a report.
Frank Lampard’s side have only made two new signings so far this window in Aston Villa’s Kaine Kesler-Hayden, following his successful loan spell at Preston North End and Spanish full-back Miguel Angel Brau. Their business is far from over though, with a renewed chance at signing Carl Rushworth on loan after the goalkeeper snubbed former boss Russell Martin at Rangers to sign a new contract with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Winger In Demand
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on social media, Coventry are targeting Genoa’s 19-year-old winger Seydou Fini as his future in Italy remains unclear. The Ivory Coast-born player has been handed limited opportunities at the Serie A club, leading to successive loan moves to Standard Liege and most recently Excelsior in the Netherlands.
Genoa value the former Italian youth international at between £3 and £5 million, which has alerted the Sky Blues, West Bromwich Albion and Watford to his services. Last season he played 38 times for Excelsior in the Dutch second division, helping the club to promotion back into the Eredivisie.
Watford, who have strong Italian links through their sister club Udinese, may have an edge in the battle through that connection, whilst Albion may need to invest in wide players with both Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston both linked with moves away this summer.
Writers’ View
A move for Fini may be a gamble for any potential movers but will have a lot of upside. At 19, the room for development is there and all three clubs will have a strong squad player to support their existing wing options. For Coventry, he will not dislodge Ephron Mason-Clark and Haji Wright from their starting positions, but will be able to provide the cover for them with Wright’s fitness a concern ahead of the start of the season. As for Watford and West Brom, they will want players ready to make an immediate impact, which could make those destinations more alluring options.
