Coventry City must prepare for transfer avalanche after Man Utd exploits: View | OneFootball

Ben Sheaf has arguably been Coventry City’s best player this season as they look to bounce back from play-off heartbreak.

The Sky Blues lost out to Luton Town at Wembley Stadium last season in the play-off final, losing on penalties.

But they are hoping to make the top six once again this season. They are currently sitting in eighth place and are nine points off of the play-off places with four games to play, leaving them as huge outsiders.

They have managed to get to Wembley once again this season regardless, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they were narrowly defeated on penalties by Manchester United after thrilling 3-3 draw and an epic three-goal comeback.

Sheaf once again stole the show for Coventry, this time at Wembley.

Sheaf has been one of Coventry’s best performers, now shining in midfield more than he has ever done before, after Gustavo Hamer left last summer.

You would forgive people for forgetting that Hamer left in the summer with how good Sheaf has been, and he once again showed against Premier League opposition just how good he is.

The 26-year-old played the entire 120 minutes as Coventry nearly won arguably one of the best FA Cup semi-finals of all time. Man United had taken a 3-0 lead by the hour mark, as they looked to cruise to a comfortable victory.

However, goals from Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and an injury-time penalty from Haji Wright meant that Coventry had come three goals down in the last 20 minutes to take the Red Devils to extra time.

Victor Torp had thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner before it was disallowed by VAR as Wright was deemed offside in the build-up. They would then lose on penalties, with Sheaf putting Coventry’s final penalty over the bar in heartbreaking viewing.

But Sheaf shone at the heart of Coventry’s midfield. He completed 66 out of 73 of his passes (90%), and had four shots along with seven accurate long balls and two successful dribbles, showing how calm and composed he is on the ball in what was a high-pressure match (all stats according to FotMob).

United had 28 shots, so Sheaf was required to do a lot of defensive work, which he did with aplomb. He won all four of his tackles, four aerial duels, eight ground duels and 11 recoveries (all stats according to FotMob).

With Sheaf’s performance on national television, it is bound to gain attention from some Premier League clubs. He has already gained praise this season, as he has played well on a consistent basis in the Championship so far.

Sheaf had already previously attracted interest from the Premier League, with Luton reportedly keen in the January transfer window.

Sheaf’s contract at Coventry does not expire until 2026, so Coventry do not have to worry about potentially losing Sheaf on a free transfer or for a cut-price deal.

However, Sheaf may look to leave the club if they not only fail to gain promotion but fail to reach the play-offs this season. Players like Sheaf are rare to find, and many of the bottom Premier League clubs may looking towards signing him in the summer to boost their team for next season.

Coventry will have to hold firm if they want to keep their midfield maestro after losing Hamer last summer, but on the evidence of Sunday, he's starting to outgrow the level the Sky Blues will likely find themselves at.

It's unfair to suggest he would force a move, of course, but it will play on the player's mind that he wants to get to the highest level possible, as quickly as possible. Leaving Coventry might be the route that presents that to him this summer.