Before the new season started, Frank Lampard spoke in an interview with ESPN about how his side wanted to emulate Leeds United and Sunderland. And so far, Coventry City have done a lot in the summer transfer window.
Last year, Leeds and Sunderland were heavily tipped to be relegated but they surprised everyone.
The Whites avoided relegation and finished in 14th place, while Regis Le Bris’s side finished in the European places. Both clubs reached these heights by recruiting very well.
They found very good players with experience in top leagues in Europe.
And this helped drastically improve their quality as they both secured another season in the top flight.
Leeds United beat Coventry City to sign Melvin Bard
Melvin Bard
Credit: Imago
Coventry City have spent over £120 million on new players this summer.
They have been able to bring in Caleb Yirenkyi, Ethan Pinnock, Taiwo Awoniyi and Sidiki Cherif. Their recruitment has been a mix of players from European leagues and the Premier League/Championship.
Leeds United have made five signings so far, and are pushing for more before the deadline passes.
🚨 EXCL🔴⚫️#OGCNice | 🦅
🎯Coventry s’est placé pour Melvin Bard en cette fin de mercato. Un autre club est également à l’affût.
⚠️Nice attend 10 M€ et tient déjà 2 noms pour le remplacer dont Niels Nkounkouhttps://t.co/r6SiiF10xF https://t.co/GvAWBaWIXw pic.twitter.com/42CV3NQyJI
— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) August 31, 2026
The Whites managed to beat Frank Lampard’s Coventry City to the signing of French left back Melvin Bard. The 25-year old will join on a season long loan with an option to buy next summer.
The 49ers will be hoping to get more deals across the line as they address some holes in the squad.
READ MORE: Leeds United confirm midfielder’s exit on deadline day
Melvin Bard is the perfect addition for Leeds
Bard solves a lot of problems for the Whites going into this season.
Last year, the addition of Gabriel Gudmundsson was a huge boost to the club. He played almost every game and was a big part of the first team, but he suffered an injury at the end of the campaign before the World Cup.
He returned in pre-season, but picked up a similar injury, ruling him out for the first few games.
Leeds have been proactive and gotten Melvin Bard, who will finally provide cover down the left. And not only that; now James Justin can continue as the deputy on the right flank for Jayden Bogle.
why is it always a rush at the last minute to sign new squad players and exit un favoured before the end of transfer season when players like gnonto a proven exciting player are only let go for mostly unknown and over rated players at least you are getting what you know if Leeds keep gnonto
Geoff – your frustration is understandable, but look how many big transfers have taken place in the last 12hours of Deadline Day. It isnt just Leeds United still doing business in the last few hours. Who are the “mostly unknown and over-rated players” that we have signed? Unknown to you perhaps?