Coventry City are closing in on a significant loan move for Crystal Palace's promising young attacker, Romain Esse, for the remainder of the season.
Palace Squad Shuffle Prompts Loan Move
The 20-year-old forward finds his pathway to the first team at Selhurst Park increasingly blocked following a major incoming transfer. Last week, Crystal Palace agreed a £35 million deal to sign winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur.
This high-profile acquisition, coupled with the imminent return of Ismaila Sarr from the Africa Cup of Nations, has pushed Esse further down the pecking order under manager Oliver Glasner. Despite having four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Esse has started just one Premier League game since joining from Millwall in January 2025.
Coventry Seek to Reignite Promotion Push
For Coventry City, the arrival of Esse is seen as a timely boost. The Sky Blues have experienced a dip in form, winning only once in their last five Championship outings. Although they retain a healthy lead at the summit, the chasing pack, including Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, are applying pressure.
Mark Robins's side are keen to add another forward option to their ranks to help halt this slide and consolidate their position at the top of the table. A move to a club fighting for promotion is viewed as an ideal development step for the young talent.
Glasner Backs New Signing Johnson
At Palace, the focus is on integrating Brennan Johnson as they pursue a European qualification spot. Glasner expressed his delight at securing the Welsh international's services early in the January transfer window, citing his pace and goal-scoring ability as key assets for the squad's packed fixture schedule.
Johnson made his first start for the Eagles in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park last weekend. With the manager now leaning on more experienced Premier League options, a temporary departure for Romain Esse to gain regular competitive minutes makes strategic sense for all parties involved.
