Coventry sign Binks from Bologna on four-year deal
Coventry City have made their second summer signing by bringing in defender Luis Binks from Italian Serie A side Bologna for an undisclosed fee.
Subject to international clearance, the 22-year-old centre-back, who was on loan with the Sky Blues last season, has signed a four-year deal that will start on 1 July.
The Kent-born former Tottenham Hotspur Academy product first left English football when he joined Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact in February 2020.
He made eight appearances for the Canadian club before being signed in August 2020 by Bologna, who loaned him back to Montreal for the rest of the season.
Binks made the first of his 15 Bologna first-team appearances in September 2021, before spending the rest of the 2022-23 season on loan at Serie B side Como – and then joining Coventry for the first time last summer.
“I spoke to the gaffer [Coventry boss Mark Robins] about a month ago about how he sees me going forward and where we can get to,” Binks said.
“I always wanted to come and work with him, Adi Viveash and the boys. I get on well with everyone, on and off the pitch, and that’s a big part of it. I may have been a loan player last season but I did not feel like one,
“I had to be patient last season but I had some great moments, especially that game at Wembley against Manchester United. That game was so special. I want to experience that again.”
Robins added: “He is an accomplished defender who is good on the ball and has an experience, and maturity that belies his years.”
Binks, who represented England Under-19, is also eligible to play for Scotland, having previously been called up at under-16 and under-18 level.
He leaves behind a Bologna side who finished fifth last season and qualified for the Champions League.
Luis Binks: From MLS to Championship play-off hunt and FA Cup semi-final – via Serie A
Montreal Impact center back Luis Binks transferred to Bologna for 2021 season
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer and loan
Montreal Impact center back Luis Binks has been transferred to Bologna FC, though won’t join the Italian Serie A club until 2021. In the meantime, Binks will remain on loan with Montreal until Dec. 31, 2020.
The move, which was announced Thursday, speaks to Montreal’s longstanding relationship with Bologna, with Joey Saputo owner of both clubs. Orji Okwonkwo and Lassi Lappalainen, two wide midfielders, are both currently on loan with Montreal from Bologna.
“We had an opportunity to see his quality last winter during his first four games with the Impact and more recently in Florida, and we’re excited for him to join us,” Walter Sabatini, Bologna FC and Montreal Impact global sporting director, said in a statement. “This transfer once again demonstrates the synergy between the two clubs and the new philosophy in place in Montreal.”
Binks, 18, originally joined Montreal in February from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, having featured predominantly with their youth teams. He’s since started five games for Montreal in MLS, twice in the Concacaf Champions League and during their MLS is Back Tournament Round of 16 clash.
Binks earned the trust of head coach Thierry Henry right away, and previously said his move from the EPL to MLS was embraced with open arms.
“I’m happy with my decision,” Binks, an England and Scotland youth international, previously said of Montreal. “I’m working under the coaching staff, playing with players that are so experienced in Europe and MLS. It’s a no-brainer to come here, really.”
