Jack Rudoni has proven to be more of a creative influence for Coventry City than most fans perhaps expected following his summer move from Huddersfield Town.
The 23-year-old was a revelation for Huddersfield after his 2022 move from AFC Wimbledon, but their relegation to League One was always likely to see key players depart, which Coventry have benefitted from.
Mark Robins was looking to bolster his midfield ranks this summer, which became pertinent following reveals that Callum O’Hare would reject any new contract offers to stay with the Sky Blues, amid plenty of interest in him.
O’Hare decided to let his contract run down and leave the club on a free transfer, eventually joining a potential 2024/25 promotion rival in Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United. His departure on a free transfer has left a gap in midfield.
However, not only that, but O’Hare and Gus Hamer leaving the club in back-to-back summer windows has meant Cov’s most creative player has departed the CBS Arena consecutively, with a huge hole then needing to be filled by Robins and co. yet again this summer.
Coventry bring in Jack Rudoni from Huddersfield
Coventry will be hoping Rudoni will assist to fill the vacuum left by O’Hare, despite the fact that the midfielder is not precisely the same type of player, despite playing in a comparable position in the team week after week. On paper, it appeared to be a relative bargain, with Nick Mashiter of the BBC reporting a value significantly lower than the earlier estimates of £5 to £10 million. Rudoni’s original price will be between £3.6 million and £3.8 million, with a “few add-ons”.
However, the overall figure won’t reach as much as £5 million. Given the reveal regarding the fee, it appears Coventry have a terrific deal on their hands, and he is likely to scale up in a team at a higher level in the second tier.
The system is likely to suit Rudoni very well, too, as he can and has lined up as both a traditional central midfield player, and as a number 10 behind the striker for Huddersfield last season.
The Sky Blues have been one of the more open and entertaining sides to watch in the Championship under Robins, as they’ve become one of the more effective counter-attacking sides in the second tier. His high intensity and box-crashing ability could see him thrive in Sky Blue.