Coventry City handed transfer green light to sign World Cup star for free

As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, one standout performer—DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe—is approaching the end of his contract, putting Frank Lampard’s Coventry City on high alert for a potential summer swoop.

With Tuanzebe set to become a free agent following his departure from Burnley, the Sky Blues could land a major coup. Now back in the Premier League, Coventry’s top priority is assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

While Frank Onyeka has already returned on a permanent deal after last season’s loan, more reinforcements are expected before the transfer window closes.

Defensive additions are clearly on Lampard’s radar, especially after Bobby Thomas committed his future to the club with a new contract. Tuanzebe, at 28, fits the bill as a savvy and experienced option.

A product of Manchester United’s academy, Tuanzebe made his senior debut at 19 and announced his potential in style six years ago, famously shutting down Kylian Mbappé during United’s 2-1 Champions League victory over PSG.

However, first-team opportunities at Old Trafford proved limited, and loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City followed before he joined Ipswich Town in 2023.

At Portman Road, Tuanzebe played a key role in Ipswich’s promotion and impressed during their subsequent Premier League campaign. Following the club’s relegation, he moved to Burnley, where he featured sparingly in another losing season. Despite only 14 appearances and a 19th-place finish, Tuanzebe showed flashes of quality—including a 19-clearance performance in a January draw with Liverpool and a goal in a 2-2 stalemate against Tottenham.

Though injuries have occasionally hampered him, Tuanzebe completed 85% of his passes and exuded authority at the back. Burnley manager Mike Jackson remains confident in his abilities, recently stating: “I think he’s been really strong.” With his contract winding down, Coventry could be poised to benefit from his Premier League-ready pedigree.