Lampard starts Coventry rebuild: Onyeka announced as Hamer, likened to 'modern-day Gazza', linked

Coventry City have begun building for their Premier League return, announcing Frank Onyeka’s permanent move and weighing a possible reunion with Gustavo Hamer as Frank Lampard shapes his squad for the top flight. Onyeka, the Nigeria midfielder, joined on loan from Brentford in February on a deal that included an obligation to make the move permanent if promotion was secured.

With Coventry’s step up confirmed, he becomes the first signing of the club’s new chapter. The return to the Premier League is expected to deliver a financial lift along with the prestige of top-flight football — the same lure that drew Hamer to leave the Sky Blues for Sheffield United.

Hamer has been linked with a return to Coventry. Former City assistant manager Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, said the 28-year-old is among Championship standouts who could be on Lampard’s list.

“Coventry will be looking at the best players in the Championship who might be able to make that step up into the Premier League with them,” Brown said, adding that Hamer remains highly rated at the club and by supporters and that a move back “would make sense for both parties” if the opportunity arises.

Brown said Hamer has the quality at his best “to make them into a better team.” Hamer scored nine league goals in 2022/23 as Mark Robins’ Coventry reached the Championship play-off final, and he hit four in the Premier League for Sheffield United despite their relegation.

This season, the Brazil-born Dutch playmaker has contributed four goals and 12 assists in the Championship.

Former Sheffield United defender Paul Parker praised Hamer in September, telling the Yorkshire Post the midfielder is “definitely top two in the Championship” and “a focal point,” adding: “He reminds me, really, of a modern-day Gazza.” Further additions are expected over the summer as Lampard assesses options capable of stepping up.

Brown suggested Coventry will monitor leading Championship performers who fit that profile, while a potential Hamer return remains one of several possibilities under consideration.