Jonathan Panzo spent time on loan with the Sky Blues during the 2022/23 season, and they could perhaps be seeking for him again this summer
Coventry City’s chances of making the Championship play-offs are slim, and they will need help from other teams to finish in the top six.
The Sky Blues were defeated by Southampton on Tuesday evening. Kyle Walker-Peters and Che Adams scored in the first half to earn the victory at St. Mary’s, despite Jake Bidwell’s response in the second period.
The result puts Mark Robins’ team five points behind Norwich City, who drew with Sheffield Wednesday on the same evening. Preston North End, Middlesbrough, and Hull City are also in contention.
Having said that, preparations for next season will begin regardless of the league in which they will play next season, which has yet to be confirmed, with goals maybe identified to improve the squad in the summer.
Coventry will surely be monitoring Jonathan Panzo’s situation at Nottingham Forest
The Sky Blues may pursue Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo again after being connected with Championship clubs in January.
The 23-year-old former Chelsea youth product played prominently for the Sky Blues in the 2022/23 season, helping them finish fifth and go to the play-off final, where they were defeated on penalties by Luton Town at Wembley.
Panzo played 32 games in all competitions and helped Robins maintain 14 clean sheets before returning to the City Ground last summer.
| Jonathan Panzo’s 2022/23 Coventry City statistics as per Transfermarkt | |
| Apps | 32 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 14 |
| Minutes played | 2,304 |
After establishing himself in the second tier, he was loaned out again to Cardiff City for the balance of the campaign. The Bluebirds saw his arrival as a wise investment.
Panzo had a tough six-month span, not starting a Championship game and only making four substitute appearances.
After limited playing time under Erol Bulut, he returned to Forest and, despite interest from several second-tier clubs, joined Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege for the rest of the season.
Since his January transfer, the defender has appeared five times for Les Rouches. The Belgian club has an option to buy, but it’s unclear if it will be exercised or if Panzo will return to the East Midlands in the summer.
Jonathan Panzo could be seen as Luis Binks’ replacement at Coventry City
With the season coming to an end, Coventry loanee Luis Binks is set to return to his original club, Italian outfit Bologna.
After enjoying a run in the side at the start of the season, the 22-year-old has found himself on the bench in recent weeks, making his first appearance in five games after coming on as a late substitute against Southampton.
While Binks has been a fine addition to Coventry this season, he hasn’t had the same impact on the team as Panzo did last season, and having previously played for the Sky Blues, he’ll be quick to adjust to Robins’ style of play.
This season, the Sky Blues have a strong goal-scoring and defensive record, ranking sixth in the division in terms of goals conceded.
Ajax and Sporting Lisbon have expressed interest in central defender Joel Latibeaudiere, following the sale of Viktor Gyokeres.
Robins denied the charges, but speculation about his future at the club suggests he may be considering alternative options for the coming season.
Panzo’s future is uncertain and may depend on the outcome of Forest’s Premier League campaign, as well as their appeal against charges of breaching profit and sustainability rules. The defender may be moved on due to financial issues or retained for his experience in the Championship if they are relegated.
In any case, Coventry will be keeping an eye on the situation and may be interested in reuniting with the 23-year-old, who would undoubtedly improve the quality of defensive choices available to Robins at the moment.
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