Coventry City have signed the forward Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahce on a long-term deal, with the fee understood to be around £20.5m. The 19-year-old arrives in time for the newly promoted Sky Blues' Premier League opener against champions Arsenal on Friday, their first top-flight fixture in 25 years.
Cherif was born in Guinea and moved to France at the age of five. He made his professional debut for Angers in the 2023-24 season, and the club won promotion to Ligue 1 the following year. He then broke through in Ligue 1 himself, scoring four goals by the end of last year. His form drew interest from clubs around Europe and he moved to Fenerbahce on loan with an obligation to buy, finishing last season with two goals in 12 Turkish Super Lig appearances. He has played in the Uefa Europa League and this season's Uefa Champions League qualifiers, and has had call-ups to France's under-16 and under-21 squads.
He becomes the latest arrival in a busy transfer window for Frank Lampard's side, following significant deals for Caleb Yirenkyi, Carl Rushworth, Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Taiwo Awoniyi, as well as a club return for Gustavo Hamer, as Coventry back their manager for a first Premier League campaign in 25 years.
Cherif said: "I'm very happy to be a Coventry City player and I'm excited to be playing in the Premier League. I'm looking forward to showing the fans what I can do and to play at the amazing stadium. I can't wait to get started."