Exclusive: Leicester and Ipswich considering bid for seven-goal Championship striker who is 'ready' to leave
01/05/2025 04:15 AM
TBR Football exclusively understands that both Leicester City and Ipswich Town are eyeing a move to bring Coventry City striker Haji Wright to the Premier League this month.
As things stand, both Leicester and Ipswich are in the relegation zone, stressing each club's need to add some fresh impetus before the January transfer window ends.
Wright joined Coventry in the summer of 2023 from Turkish side Antalayspor for a fee of £8m, a player who Frank Lampard would be loathe to lose.
The 26-year-old hit double figures during his first season in England and has now scored seven from 15 games this term – form that has attracted interest from the Premier League.
Haji Wright free to leave Coventry after Leicester and Ipswich interest
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Wright is now ready to make a move to the top-flight, a striker who is just returning to training after a 10-game ankle ligament injury.
Both Leicester and Ipswich have shown an interest in Wright, who Coventry would be open to selling given they are likely to double their original investment.
READ MORE: Ipswich favourites for loan signing of centre-back wanted by Tottenham and Leeds
Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping to bolster his squad this month and attack is an area that Leicester would like to add to.
Leicester are considering sending Odsonne Edouard back to Crystal Palace, which would make room for Wright or any other possible addition.
On their part, Ipswich are ready to back Kieran McKenna and bringing in Wright would provide a new option in attack.
Liam Delap is being strongly linked with a move right now, a striker who is already starring under McKenna, but both club and player are not thinking about a move in January as things stand, even if Ipswich are also keen not to be caught out.
Haji Wright praised for his ‘character’ after United States call-up
Of course, Wright's form for Coventry has already led to one or two high-profile moments for the striker.
Wright scored a 95th minute penalty against Manchester United in last season's FA Cup semi-final, and since moving to England, the striker has continued to make strides for the USMNT.
Speaking in March of last year, former United States boss Gregg Berhalter praised Wright's 'character' given his attitude towards a late call-up for his country after originally being snubbed.
Berhalter called Wright to tell him that he had been dropped from the squad, with the striker then deciding to take a family holiday to Dubai.
When Norwich City striker Josh Sargent then picked up an injury, Berhalter called Wright at the last minute, when he was already at the airport with his family ready to depart for Dubai.
After giving him 10 minutes to reply, Berhalter said: "He called me back and he said, 'I'm in', and, when I heard that, it really shows what type of guy he is and what his character is."
