Blow for Frank Lampard as ‘quality’ Coventry City star could join Championship rivals this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

After Coventry City’s play-off semi-final defeat to Sunderland, EFL Analysis can reveal that one of Frank Lampard’s key men could leave the CBS Arena this summer.

Dan Ballard’s 122nd-minute winner saw Sunderland clinch an incredible victory over Coventry to advance into the play-off final against Sheffield United, while Frank Lampard was left heartbroken.

The Englishman has done an excellent job since taking over at the Sky Blues in January, guiding them from a lowly 17th place into a Championship play-off position come May.

As a result, Southampton have placed Lampard on their radar to replace Ivan Juric following their relegation from the Premier League.

Losing the Chelsea legend to a Championship rival would be a huge blow, and he isn’t the only Coventry man who could exit the CBS Arena this summer.

• READ MORE: Liverpool doing a lot of work on Sheffield United player Chris Wilder thinks has a ‘huge future’

Leicester City and Ipswich Town eyeing Coventry City’s Haji Wright

Coventry’s squad is littered with talent, and in an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal that Ipswich Town and Leicester City could plot a move for Haji Wright in the transfer window.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told us: “Obviously Haji Wright, we know Ipswich liked him before. I can see Coventry losing players but more so losing them to an Ipswich or Leicester coming down. And I think Haji Wright probably would go to one of those.

“It’s not brain surgery. Both clubs need a new striker. And we know Ipswich were trying to sign Haji Wright in January. So do we think they’ve gone off him? No. He is going to be an option.

“Leicester will probably sign a couple of strikers. They’ve got the money. They’ve come down.”

Leicester and Ipswich were linked with a move for Wright in January, ultimately turning down the opportunity. But now they’re back in the Championship with a war chest of funds to spend, the two clubs could battle for the electric forward.

• READ MORE: How Wilson Isidor nearly ruined his Wembley dream vs Coventry City, Sunderland fans will be relieved

Wright could be tempted by Leicester or Ipswich

Coventry completed the club-record signing of the ‘quality’ Wright for a reported £7.7 million from Antalyaspor in the summer of 2023.

The United States international has since become one of the second tier’s best forwards, scoring 16 times in 2023/24 before totalling 12 goals in 2024/25.

However, despite nearly firing his side to promotion this term, Wright could be tempted by a move to the recently relegated sides.

Ipswich are looking for a replacement for Liam Delap, who is set to depart Portman Road, while Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester, and the Foxes will need to sign an heir to his throne.

The 27-year-old could be tempted to join either of those clubs, even rivals Leicester, as he aims to give himself the best chance of playing Premier League football in 2026/27.