Frank Lampard, now at the helm of Coventry City, is reportedly plotting a bold move to sign former Arsenal defender Rob Holding in the January transfer window.
Since taking over the struggling Championship side in November, Lampard has experienced a mixed start, with his team recording three wins, three draws, and three losses. Coventry’s latest setback came in a 2-1 defeat at Norwich, where a last-gasp winner left the Sky Blues in 15th place, just six points clear of the relegation zone.
Rob Holding, 29, could be Lampard’s first major signing as he seeks to strengthen his squad. The former Arsenal centre-back joined Crystal Palace for a modest £1 million in the summer of 2023 after seven years at the Emirates, where he won two FA Cups. However, Holding’s time at Selhurst Park has been far from successful.
Plagued by injuries and then frozen out by Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Holding has made only one appearance for the Eagles — a Carabao Cup loss to Manchester United in September 2023. Glasner has since relegated Holding to the Under-21s, with the defender featuring in their matches but remaining distant from the first team.
According to reports from The Sun, Lampard hopes to secure Holding on loan until the end of the season. However, with the defender’s future at Palace seemingly non-existent, a permanent move may be more appealing for both the player and the club.
Coventry are in desperate need of reinforcements as Lampard looks to guide them away from the relegation battle. A player of Holding’s experience and Premier League pedigree could provide the defensive solidity they need to stabilize their campaign.
The Sky Blues next face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round this Saturday, a potential platform for Lampard to trial new strategies. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace continues to thrive defensively in Holding’s absence, bolstered by the form of Chelsea loanee Trevoh Chalobah, who is rumored to be signing permanently.
