Sky Blues add Walker and Ostigard ahead of Championship return

Coventry City have completed the signings of Leo Ostigard and Tyler Walker ahead of the Sky Blues’ return to the Championship. Ostigard, 20, joins City on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Walker, 23, completed a permanent switch from Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.

Ostigard, an U21 international for Norway, is a product of Molde’s academy, making his senior debut for the club in 2017 under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ostigard signed for Brighton a year later, featuring in the EFL Trophy for the south coast outfit. The young centre back spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan with FC St. Pauli, making 28 appearances in the German second division.

It’s an exciting signing – he’s a top young player

– Mark Robins

Sky Blues manager Mark Robins said: “I’m delighted to welcome Leo to the Club. He’s a player with brilliant pedigree, he’s one of the top players for his age in European football.

“Again, it demonstrates the policy we’ve got at the Club – bringing in young players to help with their careers, help them develop and help us to achieve our objectives during a season. It’s an exciting signing – he’s a top young player and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Walker scored 26 goals in 52 games for Mansfield Town in 2018/19, earning a place in the League Two Team of the Season. The young centre forward joins the Sky Blues to offer competition to last season’s top scorer Matt Godden.

Walker, an England U20 international, made his Forest debut in 2015, going on to make 45 appearances for his boyhood club. Walker scored in the Reds’ victory over eventual Championship winners Leeds United last season, earning praise for his pace and movement when leading the forward line.

We’re really pleased to get this significant transfer completed

– Mark Robins

Robins admitted that the Sky Blues had been interested in acquiring Walker’s signature for several years, adding: “We’re delighted to announce the signing of Tyler… As his goalscoring record shows, he’s a striker with great ability who really tests and stretches defences and is a fantastic signing for the Club.

“We’re really pleased to get this significant transfer completed, and are looking forward to working with him.”

Coventry begin the 2020/21 campaign with a first round clash against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup on 5 September. City then travel to Ashton Gate on the opening day of the Championship campaign to face Bristol City, while QPR will be the first team to visit St. Andrews’ on 18 September.