Frank Lampard is stepping up Coventry City’s January transfer plans as discussions begin with Crystal Palace over a potential loan move for Romain Esse, a deal the Sky Blues boss hopes to conclude sooner rather than later.
Coventry remain top of the Championship table, but recent results have shown signs of strain, prompting Lampard to look for added attacking quality to protect their promotion charge.
Why is Frank Lampard targeting Romain Esse now?
Coventry’s season has been built on consistency rather than flair, but the past few weeks have highlighted the need for fresh attacking options.
Lampard’s side have collected 52 points from 25 games, yet they have managed only two wins in their last seven league matches, including a frustrating 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, who are currently battling near the bottom of the table.
Lampard is understood to believe that his squad is short of natural width.
Coventry have held talks over signing Crystal Palace winger Romain Esse on loan.
Other Championship clubs interested but Frank Lampard hopeful of agreeing a deal soon.@JPercyTelegraph pic.twitter.com/gL5yojnaNl
— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) January 2, 2026
With only a limited number of recognised wingers available, the Coventry manager sees Romain Esse as a player who can offer pace, direct running and unpredictability, attributes often needed to break down stubborn Championship defences during the winter months.
What has gone wrong for Romain Esse at Crystal Palace?
Esse’s situation at Crystal Palace has been shaped more by circumstance than form. The 20-year-old arrived at Selhurst Park from Millwall in January last year after impressing in the Championship, where his maturity and work rate stood out despite his age.
This season, however, opportunities have been scarce under head coach Oliver Glasner.
Esse has made just seven senior appearances, with only three coming in the Premier League, and has spent much of the campaign playing for Palace’s Under-21 side to maintain match fitness.
John Percy of The Telegraph reports that “Coventry City have opened talks with Crystal Palace over a loan deal for Romain Esse, with Frank Lampard hopeful an agreement can be reached despite competition from other Championship clubs.”
Earlier in the season, Palace were believed to be against allowing Esse to leave in January.
That position now appears to have softened, particularly with attacking reinforcements expected to arrive and the club keen for the youngster to gain regular first-team football.
Why does a Championship loan make sense for Esse?
A temporary return to the Championship would offer Esse something he has lacked in the Premier League: consistent minutes.
During his time at Millwall, he scored seven goals in 66 appearances, performances that marked him out as one of the division’s brighter young prospects.
For Coventry, the appeal lies in Esse’s familiarity with the league’s demands. He would not require a lengthy adaptation period and could make an immediate impact during a crucial phase of the season.
How crucial is January recruitment for Coventry’s promotion hopes?
Coventry’s memories of last season’s disappointment remain fresh. They fell short in the play-off semi-finals against Sunderland, who went on to secure promotion, and there is a strong sense within the club that this campaign represents a major opportunity.
Lampard is keen to avoid a repeat scenario where fatigue and injuries derail momentum.
Adding a player like Esse could help sustain performance levels across a packed fixture list, particularly as the race for automatic promotion intensifies.
Could Coventry still lose key players this month?
While Lampard’s primary focus is on strengthening his squad, interest in several Coventry players is unavoidable given their league position.
Haji Wright continues to draw attention after scoring eight Championship goals this season, contributing to a remarkable total of 40 goals in 104 appearances for the club.
There has also been growing interest in full-back Milan van Ewijk, while Jack Rudoni remains on the radar of clubs higher up the football pyramid.
Coventry, however, is reluctant to weaken a squad that has worked so hard to put itself in a commanding position.
