Coventry City announce signing three days after transfer deadline thanks to little-known FIFA rule
Coventry City have completed a surprise move for Toulouse winger Yann Gboho, announcing the signing three days after the summer transfer window officially closed.
The Sky Blues confirmed the arrival of the 25-year-old on Friday afternoon, making him their 12th and final signing of the summer transfer window.
Gboho has joined Coventry from Ligue 1 side Toulouse for an undisclosed fee and has agreed a long-term contract with Frank Lampard’s side.
The transfer appeared unlikely after a proposed move to MLS club Sporting Kansas City collapsed, but Coventry moved quickly to secure his services.
Despite the Premier League transfer deadline passing on September 1, Coventry were able to complete the deal because the agreement with Toulouse had been reached before the 11pm deadline.
FIFA rule allows Coventry to complete late signing
According to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse, Coventry reached an agreement with Toulouse for Gboho before the transfer deadline.
However, the official announcement was delayed while FIFA checked the relevant documentation connected to the transfer.
FIFA subsequently ratified the deal, with the move still subject to UK visa approval.
That allowed Coventry to register Gboho and include him in their 25-man Premier League squad.
The timing could prove particularly important for Lampard, with Coventry preparing to face Manchester City on Saturday.
Gboho arrives at the CBS Arena after an impressive spell in France, where he recorded 19 goals and 12 assists during his two-and-a-half years with Toulouse.
His arrival also gives Lampard another attacking option as Coventry look to improve their fortunes after a difficult start to life back in the Premier League.
Gboho gives Coventry another attacking option
Coventry have struggled to find enough cutting edge in their opening games.
They suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium before being beaten by Hull City in another important fixture last weekend.
Gboho could provide a different dimension to their attack.
The French winger is known for his pace, dribbling ability, low centre of gravity and ability to create opportunities in dangerous areas.
He is capable of operating from the left but can also play through the middle or on the right, giving Lampard greater flexibility when selecting his attacking lineup.
His arrival will also increase competition for Ephron Mason-Clark, who has been operating on the left side of Coventry’s attack.
Impressive numbers underline Gboho’s quality
Gboho’s statistics from his time in Ligue 1 highlight why Coventry were prepared to make the move for him.
According to FotMob, the attacker ranked among the top seven per cent of players in the division for successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season.
He also ranked in the top 14 per cent for fouls won, underlining his ability to cause problems for defenders when carrying the ball forward.
But Gboho’s contribution is not limited to attacking situations.
At Toulouse, he demonstrated a willingness to contribute defensively, something that could be crucial for Coventry as they battle to establish themselves in the Premier League.
He ranked in the top 20 per cent for recoveries and the top 12 per cent for possession won in the final third.
Those numbers suggest Lampard is not simply getting another attacking player who waits for the ball.
Gboho has shown that he is willing to work for his team and contribute without possession, which could become increasingly important during Coventry’s fight for survival.
When could Gboho make his Coventry debut?
Gboho could potentially make his Coventry debut against Manchester City on Saturday.
However, if Lampard decides against throwing his new signing straight into one of the toughest fixtures of the season, his first appearance could instead come against Brighton at the CBS Arena the following weekend.
Either way, Coventry supporters will be hoping the late addition can provide an immediate boost to an attack that has struggled to produce enough goals during the opening weeks of their Premier League campaign.
The unusual circumstances surrounding the transfer make Gboho Coventry’s final signing of the summer — and potentially one of their most important.