Football League World
·7 June 2024
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·7 June 2024
Coventry City will be looking to add a number of midfield additions, as outgoings from that department seem highly likely.
Among those who have or could be leaving the club are Ben Sheaf, Callum O'Hare and former captain Liam Kelly, with Sheaf attracting interest from elsewhere, O'Hare out of contract and unlikely to sign a new deal, whilst Kelly has already left and signed a deal with Rotherham United.
This means the Sky Blues scouting department will be working overtime to secure potential replacements as they head into the 2023-24 season.
Names such as Alvyn Sanches and Marko Stamenić have been linked with the club, but for Coventry fans, you can imagine that out-of-contract Alan Browne is of the most interest.
The Preston North End skipper has featured over 300 times in the division and would be an experienced addition to the young squad.
Financially, though, it may prove difficult and there is a player who has just left Brighton and Hove Albion who could prove a good alternative.
Able to feature anywhere across the midfield, it was no surprise to hear of Coventry'sinterest in signing Alan Browne.
But, if the Sky Blues want him, it seems likely that they will have to significantly improve their offer.
This comes after Alan Nixon reported that Preston North End have increased their offer in a bid to keep Browne at Deepdale, offering him a "record" deal.
Mark Robins' side are believed to be struggling to provide similar terms for the midfielder and with this in mind, there is likely a cheaper alternative elsewhere.
With the Browne deal at a standstill and the player's position unclear, Coventry could - and perhaps should turn to Steven Alzate.
The Colombian was announced to be leaving Brighton following the expiry of his contract at the end of June. Born in Camden, he originally signed for the Seagulls back in 2017 from Leyton Orient and has gone on to feature 51 times for them, but has never able to truly cement his place in the side.
The past couple of years have slowed down his development at The Amex as he spent them out-on-loan in Belgium with Standard Liege. For Alzate, it has been a reasonably successful stint, and he has displayed an ability to create chances for those around him, contributing nine assists for his team.
This revelation should prove of interest to Mark Robins' side, and they would be well-backed to enter the race to sign Alzate.
At 25, he represents a player that fits into Coventry's strategy, and it is feasible that he could command a decent-sized fee in the future.
For any fan of the Championship, it has been clear for several years now that Coventry's next aim is to secure promotion to the Premier League. Having lost to Luton in the play-off final two seasons ago and falling just short of the play-offs last year, they will hope that the 2024-25 edition will prove fruitful.
A player of Alzate's ilk could be crucial in this, with the Colombian having top-level experience, featuring in the Premier League 43 times for Brighton.
Additionally, alongside a more stern midfielder like Sheaf or possible new signing Stamenić, he could provide those line-breaking passes that at times were missing last season.
For Coventry, Alzate would prove an ambitious target amid previous interest from Everton and Wolves. However, the Sky Blues' tempting offer could include guaranteed first-team football and, for a player who hasn't always been a number one, this could be a key factor.
The summer will provide answers, and you expect the 25-year-old to be snapped up sooner rather than later.