UPDATE: Birmingham City and Coventry City are in a fierce battle for Brentford’s midfielder Frank Onyeka, as Valencia CF has just entered the fray for a loan deal. Reports from Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports indicate that this urgent development emerged late on Thursday, heightening the stakes as both Championship clubs aim to bolster their squads.
With the January transfer window now open, both Birmingham and Coventry are eager to secure new talent before the regular season concludes on May 2, 2024. The pressure is mounting for Coventry’s manager Carlos Corberan, who is looking to enhance his team’s performance at the Mestalla amidst a challenging campaign. Notably, Valencia is currently struggling in the La Liga relegation zone, adding urgency to their pursuit of Onyeka.
In their last Championship match on January 4, Birmingham City triumphed over Coventry with a thrilling 3-2 victory at St. Andrew’s, exacerbating the pressure on Coventry as they seek to turn their fortunes around. Both clubs experienced mixed results in the FA Cup recently, with Birmingham winning against Cambridge United and Coventry suffering a 1-0 defeat to Stoke City.
Frank Onyeka has been with Brentford since 2021, initially making a significant impact but has seen his playing time dwindle under current coach Keith Andrews. With only 87 appearances for the club and limited involvement this season, the 28-year-old Nigerian international could be on the move again after spending last season on loan at FC Augsburg in Germany.
Reports suggest that both Birmingham and Coventry have identified Onyeka as a key target, hoping to entice him to the Championship for the first time in his career. However, Valencia’s recent official approach adds a new layer of complexity to the situation. The £40,000 per week midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent, notably during the recent Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s semi-final run before their heartbreaking loss to Morocco.
As both clubs strategize their next moves, it remains to be seen whether Birmingham or Coventry can leverage their ambitions to secure Onyeka against the competitive backdrop of Valencia’s interest. The clock is ticking, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next development in this high-stakes transfer saga.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
