Published Aug 16, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

An agreement has been reached with Nottingham Forest for Taiwo Awoniyi, with the striker set to complete a permanent move after undergoing his medical.

The deal gives Coventry something every promoted side needs: a forward who understands the physical demands of the top flight.

Awoniyi has spent four seasons with Forest and played a role in keeping them up during their first campaign back in the Premier League. His run of goals included a vital winner against Arsenal which secured survival in May 2023.

The Nigeria international endured a difficult 25/26 season, making 17 league appearances after returning from the abdominal injury he suffered against Leicester the previous year.

However, he remains a powerful penalty area striker who can occupy centre backs, attack crosses and give Coventry a direct route through pressure.

Awoniyi was also believed to be a real favourite inside the Forest dressing room, which is a glowing assessment of his character.

Lampard has Haji Wright and Ellis Simms, but the step-up demands depth. Awoniyi offers experience, while Coventry's next target appears to represent something different.

Sidiki Chérif is only 19, yet his career has moved quickly.

Born in Guinea, the forward developed at Angers and made his senior debut at 17. His breakthrough arrived last season, when he scored four times in 19 Ligue 1 appearances before moving to Fenerbahçe during the winter window.

That transfer was initially structured as a loan. Fenerbahçe paid £3.5 million up front, with an £15 million purchase clause and a further £2.5 million in bonuses.

Fenerbache triggered that clause with Chérif now contracted there until 2030.

Cherif netted two goals from 10 Süper Lig appearances last term, while he scored in the Turkish Cup and featured against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League.

Chérif is capable of playing through the middle or attacking from the left. At 6 ft 2 in, he has the frame to handle defenders, but he is quick enough to carry the ball into space and threaten from wider positions.

Coventry's interest had been reported this month, with Ipswich also monitoring his situation, but events now appear to have accelerated sharply.

Sidiki Cherif agrees Coventry City terms after travelling to England

Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu tweeted on Saturday that Chérif had travelled to England to discuss a possible transfer.

Just 33 minutes later, Sabuncuoğlu followed that information with a second update claiming Coventry had reached an agreement with the player on personal terms.

That quick-fire sequence points towards serious progress, although it doesn't necessarily mean the entire transfer is done just yet.

If the final details, club agreement and medical are cleared, Lampard would have added two different strikers in very quick succession.

Awoniyi would bring proven Premier League know-how, while Chérif would arrive as an explosive long-term project with the ability to make an immediate impact.