The Foxes could hugely benefit from signing O’Hare – but his connection to the Sky Blues and their supporters may prevent this potential move.
Leicester City may consider Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare, an attacking midfielder, as per The Athletic’s report from yesterday.
O’Hare has been magnificent since his return from injury, scoring braces against Birmingham City and the Foxes since his return and registering six goals and one assist in 16 competitive appearances this term.
Although he will want to increase his assists tally sooner rather than later, he is a difference maker for his whole team going forward anyway, with his record not reflecting how much of an effective team player he is.
He will continue to be a threat if he links up effectively with his teammates, with the likes of Haji Wright, Ellis Simms, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Kasey Palmer all able to be game-changers at this level.
The Sky Blues will richly benefit from that if he stays at the Coventry Building Society Arena beyond the end of the January transfer window, but even if he does stay, he could potentially depart after the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
Even though Mark Robins’ side managed to generate big fees for Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer last summer, and were able to secure plenty of additions because of this, it would be a real blow if they lost O’Hare for nothing.
| Coventry City – 2023/24 Signings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Signed From | Loan/Permanent |
| Haji Wright | Antalyaspor | Permanent |
| Ellis Simms | Everton | Permanent |
| Liam Kitching | Barnsley | Permanent |
| Milan van Ewijk | Heerenveen | Permanent |
| Bobby Thomas | Burnley | Permanent |
| Tatsuhiro Sakamoto | KV Oostende | Permanent |
| Brad Collins | Barnsley | Permanent |
| Jay Dasilva | Bristol City | Permanent |
| Joel Latibeaudiere | Swansea City | Permanent |
| Yasin Ayari | Brighton | Loan |
| Luis Binks | Bologna | Loan |
Vultures will be circling for him considering he is a proven game-changer at this level, is only 25 and may be available or on the cheap depending on when interested teams move for him.
Leicester City could benefit from signing Callum O’Hare
Some of the Foxes’ midfielders can operate in an advanced midfield role, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Dennis Praet.
However, Praet’s future looks uncertain at this point and O’Hare could be a very good addition to have, with the latter able to provide Enzo Maresca with something different at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester should be recruiting with one eye on the Premier League because they are on course to secure a top-tier return at the first time of asking.
O’Hare still has the potential to make the step up to the top tier, so he could turn out to be a shrewd addition for a cut-price deal or on a free.
Key factor could prevent Leicester City deal for Callum O’Hare
O’Hare will surely want to play at the top level at some point and Leicester may give him the opportunity to do that next season.
A switch to the King Power may also mean he doesn’t have to re-locate, which is ideal for the 26-year-old who seems to be reasonably settled in the Midlands.
However, the attacking midfielder has built up a major rapport with the Sky Blues’ supporters and it may feel as though he’s betraying them if he signs for a rival.
Plenty of offers will be on the table for him in the summer if he stays fit, in form and doesn’t put pen to paper on an extension at the CBS Arena.
That means he may not have to join the Foxes if he leaves Coventry.
If he does leave for nothing, some Coventry fans won’t hold anything against him, but joining Leicester may cause real controversy and O’Hare may be keen to prevent that.
The two teams could meet again in the future, potentially in the top flight next term, and the attacking midfielder will want to avoid a frosty reception.
