Leeds United out to upset Frank Lampard by stealing his ‘absolute dream’

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The ferocity between Frank Lampard and Leeds United fans has lost no love since the Spygate scandal of 2019, proven by the songs sung to Lampard as Leeds beat his Coventry side in February.

That was proven even more so, by the reaction to Lampard and Coventry’s defeat in the play-off semi-finals to Sunderland. The Black Cats scored in the final seconds of extra time, through Dan Ballard.

The pain of Coventry’s play-off semi-final defeat does slightly take the shine off what has to be said, is a wonderful bit of work from Lampard. He took the side from a relegation scrap back into the top six.

But failure to go up means Coventry will be in the Championship for another season. After such an impressive season under the limelight of Lampard as manager, Coventry players are attracting interest.

• READ MORE: Leeds may have to spend £50m to sign a striker recently added to the shortlist

Leeds want to sign Lampard’s ‘absolute dream’ Coventry player

Leeds meanwhile, did go up. They secured the Championship title and are now looking to build a squad capable of Premier League survival come May 2026. They have primarily targeted Premier League players.

But one player emerging on the Leeds radar is one of Lampard’s Coventry stars, in Jack Rudoni. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds want to sign Rudoni, a year after joining Coventry for £5m.

Rudoni sparkled for Coventry during 2024-25, having a hand in a whopping 22 Championship goals. As per The Mirror, Lampard raved about Rudoni before describing the playmaker as an “absolute dream”.

“Rudi has been amazing. He’s a really good header of the ball, it’s a great cross and finish. We stayed out this week in training, working on little cutbacks and finishing. It doesn’t always happen that you score.

“It did today,” Lampard continued earlier this month, after Rudoni’s brace against Middlesbrough. “He’s so engaging, he wants to train, he wants to ask questions. He’s an absolute dream to work with.”

How Rudoni’s numbers compare to Leeds’ attacking players

Largely playing in the 10 role, Rudoni starred for Coventry and if he was to join Leeds, he would surely replace Brenden Aaronson. Especially, given Rudoni produced double Aaronson’s 11 involvements.

He even managed to have one more involvement than Dan James, even if he played a lot less than the Championship Player of the Season nomination. It is unclear how much Coventry will request for Rudoni.

The chances are, they would look to at least quadruple their money – having spent £5m just 12 months ago. But even then, given Rudoni is only 23, that would still be excellent business for the Yorkshire side.