Coventry City supporters can rest easy after Ipswich Town, Kalvin Phillips update

Everyone connected with Coventry City will be relieved as Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has signed for Ipswich Town, just as the Tractor Boys prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna’s team had been linked with Coventry’s star player Ben Sheaf over the summer, but with Phillips joining Ipswich on a season-long loan, a move for Sheaf now seems less likely—a development that Coventry fans will greatly appreciate.

Sheaf has attracted significant Premier League interest since the end of last season, following his impressive performances in midfield, which helped Mark Robins’ side reach the FA Cup semi-final and finish ninth in the Championship in 2023/24.

Now entering his fifth season at the CBS Arena, the 26-year-old initially joined Coventry on loan from his boyhood club Arsenal in 2020, with the move becoming permanent a year later. While Sheaf could still transfer before the end of the window, Ipswich now appears to be an unlikely destination in the coming weeks.

Sheaf has been a wanted man this summer

Interest in Ben Sheaf has remained steady throughout the transfer window, and it’s easy to see why—his outstanding performances last season earned him both the Coventry Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards in May.

Shortly after the Championship campaign concluded, Alan Nixon reported via Patreon that Ipswich Town were considering a move for Sheaf as they sought to strengthen their squad, with Coventry’s asking price reportedly around £10 million.

Ipswich weren’t the only Premier League club eyeing the 26-year-old. Nixon also mentioned that Fulham had shown interest in Sheaf, although there have been no recent updates on their pursuit.

In a surprising twist, Manchester United’s INEOS recruitment setup has reportedly identified Sheaf as a potential target due to his affordability, low risk, and English nationality, according to journalist Chris Winterburn. However, no concrete developments have emerged from their interest this summer.

As it stands, Sheaf remains on the radar of several clubs, but with the transfer deadline fast approaching, Coventry are likely to be increasingly reluctant to part with one of their key players this month.

Sheaf has been key to Robins’ side

Recent weeks have highlighted Ben Sheaf’s importance to Coventry City, with manager Mark Robins appointing him as club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season. This decision likely reassured Sky Blues supporters concerned about a potential departure for the 26-year-old.

Robins has expressed confidence in Sheaf’s ability to “lead by example” this season. His absence due to injury was keenly felt in Coventry’s season opener against Stoke City on August 10, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat following a late goal from Lewis Baker, with Jamie Allen partnering Victor Torp in midfield instead.

Sheaf’s on-field leadership is matched by his impressive statistics from last season, where he ranked among the Championship’s elite midfielders. According to FBref, Sheaf was in the 99th percentile for tackles per 90 minutes, the 98th percentile for progressive passes and ball recoveries per 90, and the 97th percentile for dribblers tackled per 90, underscoring his all-around excellence.

It’s clear why everyone associated with the Sky Blues is eager for Sheaf to remain at the club this month. Ipswich’s signing of Kalvin Phillips should be seen as a positive development, bringing them one step closer to keeping their captain at Coventry beyond August 31.

GET MORE NEWS ON LIFESTYLEROOM.NET