Exclusive: Factor that could decide Ben Sheaf's future at Coventry City pointed out | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing the factor that could help decide Sheaf's Sky Blues future.

Ben Sheaf has been a standout player for Coventry City ever since his summer 2021 transfer from Arsenal.

The 27-year-old central midfielder has played a key part in helping the Sky Blues establish themselves in the Championship since their 2019/20 League One title-winning season, and has become widely regarded as one of the best midfield players in the second tier.

As a result, the Coventry captain has been linked with a move away from the CBS Arena in recent times, with the likes of Manchester United credited with an interest, whilst Luton Town were even understood to have been plotting an approach in the summer, with a £10m+ figure being touted as the potential asking price.

However, Sheaf hasn't played as big of a role for the Sky Blues so far this season, starting just 19 Championship games as of matchday 38. He has, however, been dealing with injury problems of late, which have contributed significantly to his reduction in playing time.

"I do feel that" - Lee Hendrie makes Coventry City, Ben Sheaf transfer prediction

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Lee Hendrie: 'Could you see Coventry selling Ben Sheaf this summer if the right price arrived? They've got the likes of Grimes, Torp and Eccles in midfield now.'

Hendrie said: "I think Ben Sheaf has been one of them players that's been such a key player for them.

"I think Josh Eccles has certainly been in and out of the side, he's found his way into the team. Torp and Grimes obviously coming in; Torp's been there for a little while, but Grimes obviously coming into midfield, it gives them that little bit more depth.

"So, I think Ben Sheaf is one of them where you know exactly what you're going to get from him. I do feel that, yes, looking at the strength that they have in that midfield area, particularly the formation they play as well, might be that there will be limited game time.

"Whether there's that versatility of changing that midfield, but I do feel that he's got the experience as well, as has Grimes. So, I think that will just depend on the decision from management whether he will leave, or whether him not getting game time, that he'll choose to leave."

Ben Sheaf's contract situation may require Coventry City to make imminent decision on his future

Sheaf is a top-quality player at Championship level, of that there is little doubt.

However, Coventry boss Frank Lampard has an embarrassment of central midfield riches at his disposal now, with Jack Rudoni, Victor Torp, Eccles and Matt Grimes alone being a quartet that any second tier manager would be extremely happy to have.

As such, Sheaf, despite his class at this level, is at risk of becoming somewhat lost in the depth chart. On top of these factors comes his contract situation too, with the Arsenal academy graduate only contracted with the Sky Blues until the summer of 2026.

The club do possess the option of triggering a 12-month extension which could take him until the summer of 2027, but for now, he is set to enter his final 12 months as a Coventry player at the start of next season.

But, should Coventry wish to receive the maximum transfer fee possible for him, then they may well need to cash in this summer. As such, it would appear that a big decision regarding Sheaf's Sky Blues future is looming ever larger on the horizon.