Ellis Simms facing two big Coventry City issues - Frank Lampard could seek exit route | OneFootball

Ellis Simms' Coventry days could be numbered as Frank Lampard prefers Haji Wright

Ellis Simms' future at Coventry City could be under threat as the striker has merely played 24 minutes in the Championship so far this season with five games already played.

After signing for the Sky Blues back in 2023 from Premier League side Everton, striker Ellis Simms enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the Midlands as he scored 19 goals in 53 games with it looking like Coventry had a real gem on their hands for the future.

With the 24-year-old expected to produce similar numbers the following season, it just wasn't the case for Simms as he only managed six goals in 43 league appearances last season under the guidance of Frank Lampard.

Fast-forward to this season, and minutes have been few and far between for the striker who has played second fiddle so far to the in-form Haji Wright.

With Simms only having 24 minutes to his name after five games this season, it could well be the case where we see his exit in January, with other clubs likely to come calling due to his proven goalscoring ability at Championship level.

Ellis Simms experiencing game-time struggles for two reasons

Early on this season, it has become clear that for Simms, he has two problems to contend with in search for more regular minutes under Lampard. The first is the seemingly irreplaceable Wright.

Wright has been in fine form in kicking off the season as the American has found the net six times and provided one assist in seven matches in all competitions so far in 2025/26 and has become one of the first names on Lampard's teamsheet.

With the 27-year-old being a constant threat to opposition defences, it will be hard for Simms to get a sniff in the starting number 9 role if Wright is to continue in the same vein. Making it vitally important for Simms that when he is given the opportunities to shine in front of goal, he must make an instant impact to provide healthy competition within their ranks.

Another factor affecting Simms' struggle for minutes is Lampard's preference of playing with a lone striker in his most common 4-2-3-1 formation. However, as aforementioned, with Wright currently finding the net at ease, Simms' desire to play in the central striker position and be given the nod by Lampard to be Coventry's main talisman, is something that he is going to have to be patient with.

When speaking to Coventry Live, Lampard said: "It’s what Ellis has to do because he hasn’t played much, but we generally play with one nine and Haji’s [Wright] scored six goals already. You know, that is the job of a number nine."

Ellis Simms' Coventry exit could come as soon as January

With Simms going from a regular starter for Coventry over the past two seasons to what looks like a bench player this campaign, it may not come as a surprise if we were to see the 24-year-old spread his wings once the January transfer window comes around.

Simms has made 89 league appearances over the last two seasons for the Sky Blues, meaning that he will not want to give up his starting spot, especially having now established himself in the second tier. However, if he is to play a full 90 minutes on a regular basis, the answer may not be with Coventry.

A potential move to the likes of Watford or Oxford United could be a good move for Simms to rediscover his form in front of goal and still compete at a high level in the Championship.

With Watford operating in a front two under Paulo Pezzolano, Simms could bring a wealth of experience to their ranks as the Hornets have handed a heavy reliance on the shoulders of 19-year-old Mamadou Doumbia as well as new signing Luca Kjerrumgaard. Simms' Championship know-how could be vital in propelling Watford further up the table as well as on a personal note too.

As for Oxford United, despite being one of the weaker teams in the division and operating with just one striker, Simms would be a solid fit for the U's and his goal contributions could be the difference in keeping them in the Championship for yet another year.

Similar to Doumbia at Watford, Oxford have placed emphasis on youth to lead the line as 20-year-old Spurs loanee, Will Lankshear, has been Gary Rowett's striker of choice this season, but the arrival of Simms could challenge the youngster for his starting spot and be their long-term option in the number 9 role.