Ipswich Town have been told to sign Coventry City captain Ben Sheaf this summer as Kieran McKenna looks to build a squad worthy of challenging for automatic promotion from the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys’ efforts to survive in their first top-flight season in 22 years were eventually futile, as their relegation to the second division was confirmed with a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United last month, with four games remaining.
Planning for life back in the Championship under Kieran McKenna, as he seeks to replicate their outstanding 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign, will undoubtedly have begun, and the club has been urged to look to bolster their midfield for next season with the acquisition of Coventry man Sheaf.
Ipswich fan pundit makes Ben Sheaf summer transfer demand to ‘spearhead’ midfield rebuild
Sheaf, a holding midfielder, joined Coventry on loan from Arsenal in 2020 and made the transfer permanent in the summer of 2021 following seven years with the Gunners’ development teams.
He has appeared over 170 times in the middle of the park for the Sky Blues since his original arrival, and he has received praise around the EFL for his outstanding performances, which have helped the team compete at the top of the second-tier for the past several seasons.
| Ben Sheaf’s Coventry City career statistics (2020-present) | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 176 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Honours |
|
Coventry suffered play-off heartache last week as Dan Ballard’s late extra-time header secured Sunderland’s place in the play-off final against Sheffield United, leaving Frank Lampard’s team facing yet another season in the second tier.
Their failure to get promoted may prompt Lampard to mix up his squad in his first summer window in command at the CBS Arena, and club captain Sheaf, who is 27 years old and has five great years at the club, could be one of those permitted to leave.
Regardless of whether Coventry wishes to let him leave soon, a good offer could entice them to sell this summer. Adam Wilkin, FLW’s Ipswich fan pundit, has selected Sheaf as a feasible acquisition he’d like his team to make, since he is a great fan of the ex-Arsenal man’s ability and believes he’s the perfect addition to improve their midfield ranks for next season.
“There is one area of the squad that needs a complete overhaul for next season, and that is the central midfield,” Adam told ESPN.
“Sam Morsy is now 33 years old and is beginning to show his age, and Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste are both on loan and are likely to go. Jack Taylor has only played a minor role since joining, and Massimo Luongo had a fantastic season in the Championship last year but has struggled for minutes this year.
“He, too, is getting older. We’ve been caught out a lot in the Premier League by a lack of energy and the physical player that is required in the midfield.
“Ben Sheaf is someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time to help rebuild the central midfield.
“He has all of the qualities you look for in an all-around midfielder. He’s good on the ball, makes fantastic tackles and aerial duels, and moves the ball forward.
“He is a player that seldom misses games due to injury; I believe he has played at least 30 games in each of the last three seasons, so he is consistent. After five seasons with Coventry, maybe it’s time for a change for him.
“He’s a good age at 27, we have got quite a young squad with a few older players, so lots of Championship experience and a wise head in there would mean he would be a great pick-up, if we could get hold of him.”
Sheaf would be a solid signing for Ipswich – Coventry could be open to a sale this summer after previous interest
Sheaf’s abilities were emphasized throughout his outstanding 2023/24 season under Mark Robins, with his standout performances leading to speculation of a move to Luton Town in the January transfer window, and a solid finish to the season putting him even more in the running for a move to the Premier League.
He put on a masterful performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United in May last year, and despite missing a crucial penalty in the shootout that allowed the Red Devils to advance to the final, he was soon thought to be on their radar in the summer window after new owners INEOS profiled him as a potential low-risk acquisition.
His last season was more of a stop-start affair, as he was hampered by ankle and calf problems, but he still played an important role in their play-off push, and Lampard’s starting eleven was undoubtedly improved with him in it.
Leeds United were said to be ready to bid for Sheaf’s services in January, but the deal never happened, with Coventry reportedly willing to listen to offers in excess of £8 million to get him out of their grip.
With the season over and a busy summer ahead, the Sky Blues may be even more willing to encourage bids for the 27-year-old, who has only one year left on his current contract, giving them only a few months to get a large amount for his signing.
As previously said, Ipswich are expected to be in desperate need of new midfield players ahead of next season, and adding a proven, top-tier Championship operator like Sheaf would be an excellent way to begin their search. It appears to be a move that could take place if all parties are willing to consider it.
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