‘All the tools’ transfer target lands in UK as Coventry City fend off rival interest from Rangers

Coventry City transfer target Raphael Borges Rodrigues has “all the tools” to make it to Europe, it is claimed. The young winger is believed to be in the UK following reports Down Under that he is set to sign for the Sky Blues.

The 20-year-old was also reportedly on the radar of Scottish giants Rangers, managed by former City player Philippe Clement, but the promising young talent has reportedly opted for the English Championship to continue his development.

It is unclear at this stage whether the player, who scored six goals and two assists for Sydney A-League side Macarthur FC last season, will be viewed as an immediate first-team option or whether Mark Robins will see him as a development project. started in the Under-21s with the aim of being fast-tracked to the senior team.

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What we know so far:

Reports from Australian sports outlet FTBL this week claimed the player had “signed a multi-year deal” with the Championship club, with City agreeing an undisclosed fee for the Dutch-born son of retired Brazilian footballer Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues .

What is his best position?

He is predominantly a left-winger but, like most modern forwards, can play anywhere across the front line and is also capable of playing on the right wing and more centrally as an attacking midfielder. City have already signed Ephron Mason-Clark from Peterborough to compete and add strength, power and assists on the left wing – a position that was largely filled by Haji Wright, with 19 goals last season. But the club are actively looking for someone to compete with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right.

What was said about him?

AussieScout, an Australian professional football scout with more than 11,000 followers on social media platform X, said: “Nice move and a great opportunity for Rapha, but perhaps slightly premature. He is a talented winger – athletically built with flair and improving scoring instincts in the box. The move shows how easy it is for A-League clubs to generate transfer revenue.”

Referencing fellow Australian winger Sam Silvera, 23, who signed for Middlesbrough from the Central Coast Mariners for an undisclosed fee last summer, made 12 league starts, 25 appearances off the bench and scored four times, he added: “Having seen how an older winger like Sam Silvera, who dominated the A-League, struggled in his first season in the Championship, it’s reasonable to expect Rapha to take his time to adapt to that level. However, he has the tools to have a career in Europe.

“As I said, the move shows how easy it is for A-League clubs to generate transfer revenue. Rapha was signed for free on a low salary and a year later he is sold in Europe.”

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