Coventry now eyeing first Premier League move to sign South American attacker

Coventry City have turned their full focus towards recruitment since securing promotion to the Premier League, with Botafogo’s Matheus Martins emerging as one of their first targets.

Coventry targeting South American attacker

Sunderland and Leeds United have laid the blueprints for Premier League survival at the first time of asking. It’s now up to Coventry to follow them – starting with several key additions.

To that end, names like Abdul Fatawu are already threatening to steal the headlines. The Leicester City winger is unlikely to stay at the club following relegation to League One and he’s on Coventry’s radar as a result.

It seems like attacking reinforcements will be the priority for the newly-promoted club, too. According to Globo Esporte in Brazil, Coventry are now eyeing a move to sign Martins from Botafogo – potentially making him their first addition in the Premier League this summer.

Botafogo are reportedly willing to sell their winger for just £7m when the summer transfer window swings open – allowing Coventry to swoop in at a bargain price.

It’s worth noting that they’re not the only side interested, though. Alongside Frank Lampard’s side, both Feyenoord and Real Betis also have Martins on their radar.

It’s easy to see why interest is beginning to pick up, too. Martins has been involved in six goals in Brazil this season and is still just 22 years old.

His ability to play on both wings and as a striker means that Coventry would be investing in a versatile talent, who is still so full of potential. He won’t steal headlines straight away, but South American recruitment tends to pay off eventually in the Premier League.

“Excellent” Martins could star at Coventry

This wouldn’t be Martins’ first venture into English football, either. Once upon a time, he was a Watford player, before returning to Brazil to play for Botafogo. It’s during his time at Watford that he earned praise from Antonio Mangowith the U23 scout going as far as to describe him as “excellent”.

Since then, he’s only kicked on and has potentially earned the chance to return to English football and make his mark on the Premier League for the first time.

It’s a good sign that Coventry are opening up their radar to such players, too. Although the Sky Blues must think about players who can make an immediate impact, ignoring future stars would be a mistake.

It’s the same route that Sunderland took last summer. They welcomed experience in Ganit Xhaka, but also discovered gems in Noah Sadiki and have reaped the rewards ever since.

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