Frank Lampard responds to Coventry City links with £40k-a-week Premier League midfielder amid Birmingham interest

Frank Lampard has offered a measured response to speculation linking Coventry City with a move for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, as the Sky Blues weigh up their options during a crucial January transfer window that could define their push for promotion. With Birmingham City also monitoring the situation, Coventry’s interest in the £40,000-a-week Premier League midfielder has become a growing talking point.

The January window presents Coventry with a valuable chance to strengthen their squad as they battle at the top end of the Championship table. Lampard’s side are firmly in the hunt for promotion and are eager to close the gap on automatic promotion rivals Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Having already dipped into the loan market, the Coventry boss is carefully assessing whether further reinforcements are needed to sustain a title challenge in the second half of the season.

Coventry have already been active, bringing in two exciting young wingers on temporary deals. Yang Min-Hyeok arrived from Tottenham Hotspur, while Romain Esse joined from Crystal Palace, both moves aimed at adding pace and creativity out wide. Attention has now turned to the centre of the pitch, where a midfield addition could provide extra balance, depth, and experience as the campaign intensifies.

The Sky Blues’ recent 1-0 defeat to Stoke City in the FA Cup third round means their focus is now solely on league matters. With no further cup distractions, Lampard can fully concentrate on fine-tuning his squad for the Championship run-in, making the coming weeks particularly significant.

At the centre of the speculation is Frank Onyeka, a 28-year-old midfielder currently at Brentford. Onyeka has found opportunities limited in the Premier League this season, making just six appearances for the Bees. Despite that, his pedigree remains strong. On the international stage, he played a role in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated on penalties by host nation Morocco.

Reports, including those from the Daily Mail, suggest that both Coventry City and Birmingham City are exploring the possibility of securing Onyeka on loan before the transfer window closes. Birmingham’s interest adds a layer of competition, particularly given their own ambitions to climb the Championship table and re-establish themselves as promotion contenders.

Onyeka’s situation at Brentford is not new. Last season, he spent the campaign on loan at Bundesliga side Augsburg, where he was a regular presence in midfield. Across all competitions, he made 34 appearances, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. However, upon returning to Brentford, he has struggled to cement a place in Thomas Frank’s plans, prompting speculation over another temporary move.

Speaking to Coventry Live, Lampard was asked directly about the club’s reported interest in Onyeka. While careful not to give too much away, the former Chelsea boss acknowledged the broader context of strengthening the squad without committing to any specific deal.

“I don’t want to give you the generic answer because I feel like I keep giving it to you,” Lampard said. “But when I look at the team, if we can strengthen anywhere, and this is the generic answer, then I think it is something we should look at. But I am happy with my midfield.”

Lampard’s comments reflect both satisfaction with his current options and an openness to improvement if the right opportunity presents itself. Coventry’s midfield has been one of their strongest assets this season, contributing significantly to their promotion credentials.

Victor Torp has emerged as a key figure, offering goals, assists, and intelligent movement from midfield. Jack Rudoni has also been influential, providing attacking threat and energy, while Matt Grimes has been a model of consistency. Grimes, in particular, has acted as the heartbeat of the team, controlling tempo and providing leadership in the centre of the park.

Given that strength, any potential addition would need to enhance the group rather than disrupt its balance. Onyeka’s profile suggests he could do just that. With experience across the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Danish football, he brings a level of versatility and physicality that could prove invaluable during the demanding final months of the Championship season.

Statistically, Onyeka’s loan spell at Augsburg highlighted his effectiveness. According to FotMob, he completed 834 successful passes during his time in Germany, underlining his reliability in possession. He also won 166 duels, showcasing the tenacity and defensive awareness that could complement Coventry’s existing midfield options. Such qualities could allow Grimes and others greater freedom, while adding steel in high-pressure fixtures.

As the season enters a critical phase, Coventry face a series of important matches against a variety of opponents. Promotion chasers Millwall, relegation-threatened Norwich City, and play-off hopefuls Queens Park Rangers all lie ahead, each presenting different tactical challenges. Navigating those fixtures successfully will require depth, consistency, and resilience.

Looking further ahead, Coventry are already aware of the significance of their upcoming showdown with Middlesbrough, one of their main rivals for automatic promotion. Having already lost twice this season to Ipswich Town, Lampard’s side know they cannot afford many more slip-ups against fellow contenders.

Whether or not Onyeka arrives at the CBS Arena remains to be seen. Brentford are open to loan offers, but competition from Birmingham City and the player’s own preferences could influence the outcome. For now, Lampard appears content to bide his time, confident in his current midfield but alert to any opportunity that could give Coventry an edge.

As January progresses, Coventry supporters will be watching closely to see if the club make another move in the market. With promotion firmly in sight, every decision carries added weight, and the potential addition of a Premier League-tested midfielder like Frank Onyeka could yet prove decisive in the race to reach the top flight.