Transfer window: Sidiki Cherif signs with Coventry City

Sidiki Cherif is on the move once again. The young Guinean forward leaves Fenerbahçe to join Coventry City, freshly promoted to the Premier League, in a permanent transfer estimated at 25 million euros including bonuses.

Coventry City has officially announced the permanent signing of Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahçe, where he had been playing since February 2026. The English club has offered him a long-term contract, while the deal could reach 25 million euros with bonuses, according to the Turkish press.

From Ligue 1 to the Premier League

Coventry City is betting on a young striker whose rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Sidiki Cherif joined Fenerbahçe last February on loan with a mandatory purchase clause. In the final months of the 2025-2026 season, he netted three goals for the Istanbul side and also made his European debut, featuring in both the Europa League and Champions League qualifiers.

Before his move to Turkey, the Guinean made his mark at Angers SCO. Trained in France, he made his professional debut in the 2023-2024 season and played a key role in the club’s return to Ligue 1 in 2024.

It was at the start of the 2025-2026 campaign, though, that Cherif truly hit his stride. By the end of December, he had already scored four Ligue 1 goals, catching the eye of several European clubs. His performances ultimately convinced Fenerbahçe to take a gamble on his potential.

A 25-million-euro gamble

The transfer represents a major financial move for Fenerbahçe. According to Erdem Akbaş, the total deal could reach 25 million euros with bonuses. The Turkish club initially brought Cherif in on loan with a purchase obligation before moving him on permanently to Coventry.

This arrival reflects Coventry’s ambition to boost their attacking options with a player who is still very young but already experienced at the highest level. Cherif is now set to discover the Premier League after stints in Ligue 1, the Turkish Super Lig, and European competitions.

"I am very happy to be a Coventry City player and I can't wait to play in the Premier League," the young striker said after signing. "I'm eager to show the fans what I can do and to play in this amazing stadium."

An international career still wide open

Born in Guinea, Sidiki Cherif also holds French nationality and has represented France at youth level. He has been called up for the French U16 and U21 teams, leaving his senior international future still up in the air.

His move to Coventry marks yet another major step in a career that’s advancing at breakneck speed. Cherif jumps from Ligue 1 to the Premier League after tasting European football with Fenerbahçe. Coventry now hopes his attacking potential will quickly translate into goals in the English top flight.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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