Sideways Sammy

If Coventry City were to make further signings this summer, it looked likely to be in defence or midfield. The addition of another striker to the squad, in Norman Bassette, has come as some surprise, especially given the rumoured expense of the transfer – around €2 million – making it unlikely that the Belgian has been signed as a prospect to play in the under-21 team or to be sent out on loan. At 19 years old and with little senior football under his belt, Bassette looks like a project player nonetheless, but seemingly someone brought in to be part of the first-team squad.

A big but mobile centre-forward, Norman Bassette looks to be fairly similar in style to Ellis Simms but with two other senior alternatives ahead of the Belgian in the pecking order up top – in Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante – just where he fits in remains unclear. He may offer the ability to play two up front more often, either to chase games or from the start, but there are still senior players ahead of Bassette in the queue to provide that option to Mark Robins should he so desire it. On a four-year contract, Bassette has clearly been signed for his potential than what he can immediately provide the team, however, if there isn’t a pathway for him to play regular minutes, it could be challenging for him to deliver on that potential.

Adding another striker to the squad at this juncture really is a curious move from the club. While it may be an example of taking an opportunity to sign a talented player who has become available, the concern is that the expenditure on this transfer may affect the ability to address more immediate needs with this squad. Between Ellis Simms, Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante, the team is well-stocked for goals and while that provides a low pressure environment for the relatively unproven Norman Bassette to adapt to a new country and grow into a first-team role over time, the club have just spent a fair amount of money on someone who is unlikely to play a serious amount of football this season.