Coventry City announce signing three days after transfer deadline thanks to little-known FIFA rule

Coventry City have announced the signing of winger Yann Gboho for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 side Toulouse, three days after the transfer window shut.

In a deal that came out of nowhere, Coventry unveiled Gboho as their 12th and final summer arrival on Friday afternoon to complete their 25-man Premier League squad.

The Frenchman has signed a long-term contract with the Sky Blues after a transfer to MLS side Kansas City fell through, and he was registered in time for their trip to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

READ NEXT: 'Flabbergasted' - Man City shocked after £85million transfer bid rejected for another midfielder

FIFA rule enabled Coventry City to sign Yann Gboho after transfer deadline

According to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse, Coventry 'agreed a deal' with Toulouse for the signature of Gboho before the 11pm deadline on September 1, but it was subject to a delay while FIFA checked that all documents were in order.

FIFA eventually 'ratified' the 25-year-old's transfer, subject to UK Visa approval, in what is a huge boost to Frank Lampard's chances of keeping his side in the Premier League.

Gboho arrives after scoring 19 goals and contributing 12 assists during his two-and-a-half years in France and will add some much-needed quality to Coventry's attack.

It's been a difficult return to the top flight for the Sky Blues, who began with a sobering 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium before losing their six-pointer against Hull City last weekend.

Lampard's men have lacked a sharp edge in front of goal, and Gboho promises to change that with his incredible speed, low centre of gravity and end product, three attributes they've lacked in the Premier League.

He will offer current starter Ephron Mason-Clark quality competition on the left wing, while his versatility means he can make an impact in central areas and on the right too.

READ NEXT: Liverpool and Man Utd still 'tracking' Championship star after failed approach in final days of window

Yann Gboho's impressive stats at Toulouse

Ligue 1 has become a hotbed for emerging and established talent over the years, with Gboho slotting into the latter category.

The former France U18 international has become arguably one of the attackers in the division when operating in the hole behind the striker or cutting in from the left.

In fact, according to FotMob, Gboho ranked in the top seven per cent for successful dribbles per 90 last term and the top 14 per cent for fouls won, evincing his ability to make a difference in the final third.

In a Toulouse team that finished ninth and almost qualified for European football, the fleet-footed Frenchman also wasn't afraid of doing the dirty work.

For recoveries and possession won in the final third, he placed in the top 20 and 12 per cent, respectively, while ranking in the top five per cent for clean sheets.

Coventry will have to do a lot of defending this season, and hard work is imperative from every player, with Gboho already proving his willingness to track back and help his team.

Gboho could make his debut for the Sky Blues against Man City or at home to Brighton a week on Sunday.