Coventry City have allowed Norman Bassette to leave the club on loan just 12 months after his arrival.
Frank Lampard had previously suggested that the 20-year-old forward could leave the club this summer, telling Coventry Live that an exit was possible following their draw with Oxford United. Now, a temporary destination has been confirmed, with the club announcing his departure to Stade de Reims for the rest of the season.
Reims Seal Deal
The French second-tier side have been after the Belgian forward for the past week, with reports over the weekend stating that Reims were in talks with Coventry for Bassette, but faced competition from his homeland in Westerlo and former club KV Mechelen. He departs the West Midlands with 29 appearances to his name and scored just twice, both in the league.
With Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante both capable of playing up front for the Sky Blues, a loan move has been sanctioned for Bassette, who was signed late on in the last summer transfer window from Caen.
Reims were relegated from Ligue 1 last season after losing the relegation playoff game to FC Metz, and are in the mix to regain their top-flight status this season. Formerly managed by Southampton boss Will Still, the club have already done deals with Championship clubs this summer such as Ipswich Town for Cedric Kipre.
Writers’ View
Norman Bassette was out of Frank Lampard’s plans this season so a loan move to keep him playing regularly is a great choice to make. With Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms being a standout front three within the division, the Sky Blues will not miss Bassette’s presence even if he brought pace in the centre-forward position. With Ben Sheaf leaving for a big fee earlier today, the Sky Blues could potentially invest in one more player on top of the expected deal for Luke Woolfenden from Ipswich.
