Coventry City have confirmed their 24-man squad for the 2026/27 Premier League season, a list that includes five new signings but leaves out experienced defender Jake Bidwell. The announcement was reported by the Coventry Telegraph this week as manager Frank Lampard finalises his group for the top-flight campaign.
The Sky Blues have started the season with two defeats, leaving them 17th in the Premier League with zero points from two games. They have yet to score a goal while conceding four, giving them a -4 goal difference ahead of a daunting fixtures test away to league leaders Manchester City on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Who is in and who is out of the squad?
The core of the squad remains the group that won the Championship title last season, with 18 of those players retained. They are joined by five summer arrivals: goalkeeper Dan Bentley, defender Aurele Amenda, midfielders Gus Hamer and Ethan Pinnock, and forward Loum Tchaouna. The most notable omission is 33-year-old left-back Jake Bidwell. His contract expires at the end of the season and he has made just one appearance this term after 14 last season. Bidwell remains eligible for domestic cup competitions like the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Cover at left-back comes primarily from rookie defender Stephen Mfuni, who is on loan from Manchester City. He is seen as the main challenger to Jay Dasilva for that position. The club's current injuries list includes forwards Haji Wright and Kaine Kesler-Hayden, plus defender Luke Woolfenden, which has influenced the final squad composition.
What are the Premier League squad rules?
Premier League regulations state that a squad can contain a maximum of 25 players. Within that limit, no more than 17 can be non-Home Grown players. The remainder must qualify as Home Grown, defined as a player registered with an English or Welsh FA-affiliated club for three entire seasons, or 36 months, before their 21st birthday. Coventry City's submitted list of 24 players includes several marked with an asterisk to denote Home Grown status.
Players classified as Under-21 do not need to be named in the 25-man list but are still eligible to play. For the current season, an Under-21 player is one born on or after 1 January 2007. The club's official squad page details several such players, including some who are out on loan.
How does the squad shape up for the challenges ahead?
With the transfer window closed, this is the group Frank Lampard will rely on to climb the standings. The early-season form has been difficult, leaving the team six points adrift of Manchester City already. Integrating the new signings quickly will be important, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.
The immediate focus is the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face the reigning champions. Following that, the squad will look to secure its first points and goal of the Premier League season. The final 24-man list represents a blend of promotion heroes and fresh talent aiming to establish Coventry City in the top division.
