Coventry City lead race for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka

Coventry City have opened formal talks with Brentford over a move for midfielder Frank Onyeka as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his side’s push for the Premier League, according to Sky Sports.

The Sky Blues, who currently sit three points clear at the top of the Championship, are understood to be the frontrunners for the 28-year-old’s signature.

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Negotiations are ongoing, with both a straight loan and a permanent transfer being discussed before Monday’s 7pm deadline.

Lampard’s promotion push

Since taking over at the Coventry Building Society Arena in November 2024, Frank Lampard has transformed the club from mid-table dwellers to title favorites. With Coventry leading the pack on 58 points, Lampard is keen to add Premier League steel to his midfield to ensure they don’t falter in the final straight.

Onyeka has found regular minutes hard to come by in West London this season under Brentford boss Keith Andrews, making just six top-flight appearances—all from the bench.

The Battle for the ‘Tank’

Coventry are not the only club circling the Nigerian international, known affectionately as “The Tank” for his high-energy playing style.

Birmingham City & Sheffield United: Both Championship rivals have made enquiries as they look to disrupt Coventry’s lead.
Valencia: The LaLiga side made initial contact earlier in January but have yet to follow up with a formal bid.

AFCON pedigree

Onyeka’s stock remains high following a successful winter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He was a mainstay in the Nigeria midfield, starting four matches as the Super Eagles reached the semi-finals before a heartbreaking penalty shootout exit to Morocco.

His defensive stats during the tournament—averaging 3.5 successful tackles and 7 recoveries per game—have convinced the Coventry hierarchy that he is the ideal partner for current midfield linchpin Matt Grimes.