Coventry City may be resigned to losing key men Ben Sheaf and Callum O’Hare with a play-off place now unlikely, but the Sky Blues will still have two top attackers among their ranks to build the team around next season.
Mark Robins’ side look destined to stay in the Championship next season, with a nine point swing needed to leapfrog Norwich City with just three games of their campaign left.
As is the nature of football, some of their standout players may now look to seek pastures new in the summer, with both Ben Sheaf and Callum O’Hare recently linked with moves away.
Sheaf joined Coventry on loan from Arsenal in 2020 and made the move permanent in the summer of 2021 after spending seven years in the Gunners’ youth sides.
Since then, he has made 141 appearances for Sky Blue, tallying nine goals.
Similar events befell O’Hare, who in 2020—following a League One promotion-winning season—moved permanently to the CBS Arena after joining Coventry on loan from Aston Villa. To date, O’Hare has made 179 appearances and scored 22 goals for the Sky Blues.
Although losing either player would be devastating for Coventry going into the following campaign, the team boasts two of the Championship’s best strikers in Haji Wright and Ellis Simms, so supporters should be optimistic about their chances of competing in 2024–2025—as long as both players wear sky blue.
Midfield exits look likely
A defensive midfielder by trade, Sheaf has been essential in breaking up the play for Robins’ side this season, who are extremely effective in transition as a result of his work.
According to fbref, the 26-year-old is top of his side’s charts for tackles won per 90, with 2.2, as well as being top of dribblers tackled per 90, with 1.64.
He was linked with a move to Luton Town in the January transfer window, and a strong end to the season has likely put him even further in the frame for a move to the Premier League in the summer, especially after he produced a masterful display in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
He has featured 34 times for Robins’ men this season, netting four goals and providing two assists.
O’Hare scored his tenth goal of the year in the semi-final matchup with United, and it appears that he will be leaving the Sky Blues after five years. His contract expires this summer, and there are no plans to extend it.
After overcoming a severe cruciate ligament injury, the offensive midfielder has been a vital member of City’s squad. With 0.56 goal producing actions per 90 minutes this season, he is tied for first place.
Recently, he has been connected to moves to Celtic, Rangers, and three unidentified La Liga teams, who supposedly sent scouts to watch him play against West Brom in February.
According to reports, Southampton, Everton, and Fulham have all been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old.
Faith in the forwards for the future
The Sky Blues have two strikers on whom they can build their aspirations for years to come, even though they are prepared to lose both Sheaf and O’Hare.
Ellis Simms, who was heavily sought after last summer, decided to sign a contract worth up to £6–8 million to join Coventry from Everton.
Before going on a scoring binge at the beginning of the year and scoring 17 goals in his final 25 games—including hat-tricks against Rotherham and Maidstone United—he had a sluggish start to life at the CBS Arena, scoring just twice in his first 25 games.
Now that he’s established himself in Mark Robins’ squad, he will look to continue his success into the upcoming campaign, as Coventry will probably depend even more on his goals.
Considering that it is his first season in English football, USA international Haji Wright, who signed with Coventry for a club record £7,700,000 from Antalyspor last summer, has also had a strong season in goal.
In 47 games in all competitions, the 26-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists. He has also been on fire recently, scoring 10 goals in his past 17 games.
Wright’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for the Robins, as he can play behind Simms at center forward or on the wing.
Sky Blues supporters shouldn’t worry about possible departures as long as they have Simms and Wright, as both players are settled and approaching their prime as attackers. If Coventry can get their hiring done well and structure the team around their attack, the upcoming season could see an explosion of goals at the CBS Arena.
