It seems like Coventry City could be facing another setback in the transfer market, with star player Callum O’Hare appearing poised to depart the club.
During an engaging season, the Sky Blues found themselves in the midst of the Championship play-off battle and had a commendable run in the FA Cup.
Following their confirmed stay in the second tier for the upcoming season, retaining O’Hare beyond this summer appears uncertain.
Having been a part of Coventry since 2020 (after a loan spell from Aston Villa), the 26-year-old has had his share of injuries but has undeniably showcased his talent, emerging as a pivotal figure in the team’s offense.
With his contract set to expire at the end of June, it appears that his time with the club is drawing to a close. Various teams have expressed interest in acquiring O’Hare’s services, including Leicester City and West Ham.
Despite Coventry’s attempts to extend his stay, reports suggest that O’Hare has turned down their offer. Consequently, clubs like Aston Villa, West Ham, and Southampton have joined the race for the midfielder’s signature.
Recent reports indicate that Leicester City, in a strategic move, have shown interest in securing O’Hare’s services. The Foxes are eager to bolster their squad with the attacking midfielder, who is keen on proving his mettle in the Premier League.
Subsequent to Leicester’s interest, West Ham has also emerged as a potential destination for O’Hare, as the club seeks to finalize a deal, potentially in tandem with Hull City’s Jacob Greaves.
As O’Hare weighs his options between Leicester and West Ham, he faces an important decision ahead of him. The player holds the key to his next move, and with attractive offers likely on the table, he must consider his next steps carefully.
Both Leicester City and West Ham offer compelling opportunities, being Premier League sides. However, should O’Hare opt for Leicester, it may signify a more fitting destination following his strong performances in the recent campaign.
O’Hare featured in 31 games in the Championship this season, with 18 of those appearances coming as starts as he worked his way back to full fitness following a lengthy knee injury. Despite this, the 26-year-old player made a significant impact for Coventry City during the season.
Scoring six goals, O’Hare exceeded his expected goals (xG) of 4.09 and boasted a goal conversion rate of 15%. In addition to his goals, he played a crucial role in creating opportunities for his teammates, registering four big chances created, averaging 1.2 key passes per match, and providing three assists as recorded on Sofascore.com.
His impressive performances have caught the attention of Premier League clubs, namely Leicester City and West Ham United. While both clubs present enticing options, Leicester appears to be the preferred choice for O’Hare this summer due to the potential for more playing time at the King Power Stadium compared to East London.
Leicester could see departures in their midfield department, with Wilfred Ndidi linked to Galatasaray and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall reportedly attracting interest. Should such key players leave, O’Hare could find himself with ample opportunities for regular game time at Leicester.
On the other hand, West Ham is poised for a managerial change as Julen Lopetegui is expected to replace David Moyes. While the Hammers have a strong squad, it might not be the ideal fit for O’Hare given the competition in his position unless a significant player is sold.
Ultimately, O’Hare must make a decision based on where he can secure more playing time. While his potential departure from Coventry may disappoint fans, a move to Leicester seems more likely due to their squad depth and recent promotion to the Premier League.