The latest Coventry City transfer news: a former star outlines his aspirations for Ben Sheaf amid fresh Premier League leaving rumours.
Carlton Palmer believes his previous side Coventry City may receive a sum of £10-15 million from a Premier League club for Ben Sheaf.
As City’s place in the Championship for next season was confirmed after finishing ninth – nine points short of the total required to reach the play-offs – rumours of potential departures of players who nearly won last year’s final or led Manchester United all the way in an FA Cup semi-final last month began to circulate.
Sheaf currently leads these exit claims, as Fulham, Luton Town and newly-promoted Ipswich Town will reportedly tussle for the midfielder’s signature come the opening of the summer transfer window. A product of Arsenal’s academy, the 26-year-old has made 143 appearances in the middle of the park for Mark Robins’ side since his arrival in 2021. His performances over that period have earned him a £10m price tag, according to the latest rumours, however Palmer is certain City should hold out against top-flight suitors for even higher payday.
“The midfield player has been outstanding for Coventry over the last two seasons. He has recently been handed the captain’s armband by the manager,” the ex-England international told Football League World. “This season has just finished, and Mark Robins has come out and said that it is going to take record bids for any of his players to leave the football club now.
“Coventry Football Club has new owners, and Mark Robins has had to rebuild year after year. So now he hopes to establish some continuity and keep the players.
“Obviously, with Coventry losing out this season, it is extremely tough to attract Premier League clubs. But I have no doubt that Coventry will be there or thereabouts next season, and they are in a good position with Ben Sheaf. He is under contract until the summer of 2026, and I’m sure discussions will take place to extend it.
“But, failing that,” he said, “they have control of the situation. Aside from that, I believe it will accept an offer of between £10 and £15 million. It will require a record amount of £10-15 million, as Mark Robins stated, for them to even consider it.”
If Palmer’s vision comes true and the club holds out for the top end of that range, Sheaf will be the third-most expensive player to leave the Coventry Building Society Arena in the club’s history, trailing only Victor Gyokeres (£18 million in 2023) and Robbie Keane (£16.7 million in 2000).
However, he would become the midfielder to earn the biggest sum from a City exit, as £15 million barely surpasses the £14.8 million paid by Sheffield United for Gustavo Hamer over a year ago.
Leave a Reply