When Coventry City signed USA international Haji Wright for £7.7 million in the summer to replace star scorer Viktor Gyokeres, there were some questions raised.
Wright is beginning to deliver on the large fee, though, and it appears that he has recently found his form.
Wright joined from Antalyaspor in Turkey, where he played for two seasons and scored 31 goals in 64 appearances.
Prior to his productive spell in Turkey, the 25-year-old was something of a journeyman, having played in Germany, Denmark, and Holland before joining the Sky Blues in the summer.
The forward has seven appearances for the USA, including a start against England in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
More Coventry supporters began to doubt the choice to bring in Wright due to his early troubles in front of goal. The team had a rough start to the season, finishing in 20th place after 14 games.
Despite playing in every game, the American was only able to score twice in that duration.
What is different with Haji Wright?
Like Coventry City, he seems to have recovered from the difficult start.
Wright has now led the Sky Blues to eighth place in the league, just outside of the playoff spots, with eight goals and five assists.
With an xG of 11.29 and an average of 2.5 shots per game, the forward for the Sky Blues should only get better as the season goes on.
| Haji Wright’s Coventry City Championship Stats 2023-24 | |
| Appearances | 26 |
| Average Minutes Per game | 62 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Shots Per Game | 2.5 |
| Big Chances Missed | 13 |
| Touches Per Game | 23.6 |
| Key Passes Per Game | 0.6 |
| Successful Dribbles Per Game | 0.9 (52%) |
| Possession Lost Per Game | 8.4 |
| Stats Correct As Of January 4, 2024 – As Per Sofascore | |
Wright and Coventry City deserve praise for their continued patience.
With Wright, Simms, and Sakamoto in an attack that combines pace and physicality, the American has established himself as a vital member of Mark Robins’ team.
Wright appears to have settled on the left side of the starting three and is taking use of the wider passing opportunities.
Fans will be hoping he can continue to rediscover form and get on track as he has contributed to 34% of Coventry City’s goals.
Callum O’Hare’s comeback seems to have been a major factor in the improvement, both for Wright and Coventry City.
After the play-off final loss to Luton Town, fan favorite Gustavo Hamer left for Sheffield United in the summer, depriving the team of a great deal of drive and attacking flair. O’Hare fills that void.
As they try to climb into the playoff spots after a dismal start to the season, Coventry City and their supporters will now be looking up the table rather than down. They appear to have found their stride, sitting just three points outside the top six.
For the team, Haji Wright will be essential, especially if he keeps finding the back of the net. Silently hoping that Viktor Gyokeres pulls off a big-money move from Sporting Lisbon, Coventry supporters will also be aware that the club will probably profit handsomely from any transfer fee.
The recruitment of a second creative midfield player in this window will undoubtedly help Mark Robins and Coventry’s forwards, such as Haji Wright and Ellis Simms, who arrived in the summer. The possible sale of Viktor Gyokeres would make this possible.
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