Coventry City have sent scouts to monitor highly rated Cardiff City duo Ronan Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor, who have played key roles in the Bluebirds’ rise to the top of the League One table.
Frank Lampard’s side currently sit first in the Championship and are well placed to push for a long-awaited return to the Premier League, although competition from Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town remains intense.
The Sky Blues used the January transfer window to strengthen their attacking options, bringing in wingers Yang Min-Hyeok and Romain Esse on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace respectively.
Esse featured for 67 minutes as Coventry beat Leicester City 2-1 on Saturday, with goals coming from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright.
coventry city recruitment strategy under scrutiny
Despite those additions, Coventry have also been tracking Cardiff prospects Kpakio and Lawlor. Attack-minded right-back Kpakio and composed ball-playing centre-back Lawlor have impressed under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, earning widespread praise for their performances in South Wales.
With interest growing, Football League World asked Sky Blues fan pundit Chris Deez whether Coventry should pursue moves for the pair and whether they are ready for a Championship title challenge.
Deez said:
“I think this could be very smart, shrewd business, especially Lawlor. He’s been outstanding for Cardiff this season and is a big reason why they’re top of League One.
“I’m confused about our youth strategy. We’ve loaned out most of our academy players, sold Justin Obikwu, and still have others like Raphael Borges Rodrigues out on loan.
“People keep saying Lampard is great with youth, but the youth aren’t even here.”
On Lawlor specifically, Deez added:
“Our defence has been shaky. Bobby Thomas is still our best centre-back, but we need more consistency. Lawlor could at least push for a place, maybe even challenge Liam Kitching.
“My concern is timing. We’re close to the end of the window and other promotion rivals are signing players with Premier League experience. It feels like strange priorities.”
are kpakio and lawlor right for coventry right now?
Both players have been followed by several top clubs and are regarded as among the brightest young talents outside the Premier League. However, Lawlor has limited Championship experience, with most of his senior football coming in League One.
While Lawlor may have the potential to compete for a starting role in the future, Coventry may need more proven options as they enter the decisive phase of their promotion push.
As a result, supporters remain divided over whether pursuing young talent from the lower leagues is the right move at a time when Premier League football is firmly within reach.
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