'I hear' - Coventry City tipped to let Haji Wright go as West Ham touted | OneFootball

Haji Wright of Coventry City has attracted Premier League interest from West Ham United and Mick Brown has provided his verdict on the forward...

Coventry City are set for the Premier League but must make decisions on a number of players in 2026/27, with some of Frank Lampard's squad not likely to make the grade in the top flight — which could include Haji Wright.

Alongside Zan Vipotnik, Haji Wright is one of the top scorers in the Championship this term. Coventry City have plenty of players with numerous goals this season, with Frank Lampard's side the highest scorers in the division.

West Ham United were linked to Wright back in December, albeit it has been made clear that Coventry have stood firm on the USA international since then. Despite The Telegraph reporting the Irons made an enquiry about the potential availability of Wright.

In this kind of form, the 28-year-old is going to have suitors in the summer transfer window. Promotion might not allow Coventry to retain al of their stars. Wright's form and Patrick Agyemang's injury also boosts his World Cup hopes with USA, which could also put him further into the spotlight.

Haji Wright verdict lands on Coventry City forward

It's fair to say that promotion-winning squads in the Championship rarely translate seamlessly to the top flight in this day and age compared to over 20 years ago, and this Coventry group — impressive as they have been — will likely need significant upgrading in 2026/27.

That leaves Lampard with some huge calls to make, especially in terms of balancing things like loyalty with the need to evolve quickly. Which profiles make sense to retain as key starters? Who needs to become a squad player? Who simply needs to move on?

Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff believes there are few better than Wright in the Championship, but that does not automatically and definitely make the forward a viable Premier League starter.

His future has been discussed further, with former Coventry assistant manager Mick Brown speaking to Football Insider about Wright and stating that he could be allowed to leave for the right price.

He said: “Coventry have a decision to make. Is Haji Wright a Premier League player or is he a Championship player? Some players struggle with the step up, even if they impress in the Championship.

“Coventry will be assessing that among a number of factors. It looks like they’re going to be promoted, so they have to ask that question of all of their players. I’m not convinced he’s a Premier League player, and I hear they aren’t either.

“So they’re looking for where they might be able to get somebody better, and if they find somebody, then they could let Wright go.

“There’s going to be no shortage of interest. West Ham, for example, could make a move even if they’re relegated, because he’s a good option at that level.

“He’s definitely going to be one to watch, though, because I can see Coventry deciding to let him go.”

How much a player of Haji Wright's talents could cost Coventry

Given his age, there is not much resale value in signing the forward. However, perhaps a £15-20 million valuation of Wright is still accurate, given his obvious quality as well as his pace and power.

It's an interesting one because Wright has shown enough in the Championship to suggest he is capable of making the step up to the Premier League, even if some doubts remain in some areas of his game.

Off the ball, he is perhaps not strong enough. However, his blend of pace, power, and direct running gives him tools that naturally translate to a higher level, particularly in transition-based systems and on the counter-attack.

Crucially, his finishing has improved season on season at second tier level, while his movement across the frontline allows him to stretch defences and create space for other teammates. Playing for Coventry, he has proven he can be a capable focal point under pressure.

The problem is that some of these areas of his game are not consistent. But, with better service and higher-quality teammates around him, there is a strong case that Wright could elevate his game further rather than simply be exposed.