Coventry City have confirmed the signing of Arsenal starlet Ben Sheaf on a loan-to-buy deal. The agreement sees Sheaf, 22, join the Sky Blues on loan for the 2020/21 season, with Coventry having the option to make the switch permanent for £750,000 at the end of the campaign.
Sheaf spent the 2019/20 season on loan at League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, making 29 league appearances under former West Bromwich Albion head coach Darren Moore. Sheaf, previously an England youth international, has spent most of his career as a defensive midfielder, although has also proven his versatility by playing at centre back for Arsenal U23s.
City manager Mark Robins explained his delight at being able to complete the deal, saying: “He’s a player with great pedigree and ability, who will really add to our squad for the Championship season ahead.
“He’s got a good physical presence and a footballing brain as well, and will be a real asset for us during the campaign.
“We thank Arsenal for agreeing to loan Ben to us, and look forward to working with him.”
Sheaf, who attracted interest from numerous Championship sides, has been allocated the number 14 shirt at St. Andrew’s.
Coventry switch marks the end of Sheaf’s Arsenal dream
After returning from his loan at Doncaster, Sheaf told Goal that he still hoped to break into the first team at the Emirates Stadium. The Dartford-born midfielder said: “I want to play for Arsenal. That is the dream. It’s easy to say injuries have stopped me, which I think they partly have.
"But I wouldn’t have the journey I’ve had any other way. That sounds a bit cringe, but I wouldn’t.
“I’ve had some dark times but I know that I’m good enough and if given the opportunity I will prove myself as good enough.”
Sheaf’s failure to break into the reckoning under Arteta brings his six-year association with the Gunners to an end. The former Stevenage loanee joined Arsenal’s academy in 2014, signing for the north London club from West Ham United.
Sheaf was invited to train with Arsenal’s first team in October 2015 and was later named as an unused substitute in the Gunners’ 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday. The 6’1” midfielder was forced to wait a further two years to make his senior debut, appearing from the bench in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.
Following his debut, Sheaf earned praise from then-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The French tactician said: "He’s always ahead of the game and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge.
"He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way. There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always.
"Because he analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on and that’s why I believe he will have a good career."
What should Coventry fans expect from Sheaf?
While on loan at Doncaster last season, Sheaf was typically asked to operate as the side’s left-sided defensive midfielder. The Arsenal youngster was often paired with Ben Whiteman in Moore’s double-pivoted 4-2-3-1, allowing Sheaf to share defensive responsibilities with his midfield partner.
Sheaf’s favoured method of contributing to his side’s attack is by dropping into space to receive the ball in front of his own back four. Comfortable on the half-turn, Sheaf frequently looks for progressive passes, attempting to advance his side’s possession, rather than prioritising ball retention.
Sheaf averaged 57.88 passes from defensive midfield last season, a total among the highest in the division for players of his position. Out of possession, Sheaf prefers to engage in the counter-press, rather than occupying the space ahead of the back four.
Sheaf’s traits should translate well in Robins’ box midfield system. Sheaf, City’s eighth signing of the summer, is expected to provide competition to Coventry’s pre-existing defensive midfield options. If the former Arsenal youngster is selected in his familiar left defensive midfield position, City fans should expect Sheaf to drop into deep positions to receive the ball.
Defensively, Sheaf’s propensity to engage in counter-pressing could prove problematic in Robins’ system. If Sheaf is drawn out of position too often, his midfield partner could be left exposed when City’s press is broken.
Sheaf’s positional awareness will be tested in the Championship, although his success in winning interceptions could compensate for any lapses. Sheaf made 6.1 interceptions per 90 minutes for Doncaster in 2019/20, the fourth-highest ranking for players of his age.
Coventry fans should allow Sheaf a period of grace, the Kent-born defensive midfielder is yet to play in the second the division. However, Sheaf’s form in League One indicates that he has the potential to make an impression in the Championship.
Sheaf’s traits suit a possession-orientated style of play, meaning that his transition to life under Robins’ management should be smoother than Marcel Hilssner’s arrival in the West Midlands.
He is Coventry’s third major midfield signing of the summer, joining Callum O’Hare and Gustavo Hamer on the ins at the Championship-bound Sky Blues. Former Nottingham Forest forward Tyler Walker has also made the switch to Coventry, adding depth to the squad that was crowned League One champions last season.
The recruitment team at Sky Blue Lodge have once again proven their credentials. In luring Sheaf to St. Andrew’s, Coventry have added another young, hungry player to their ranks. Robins’ summer recruits have an average age of 22, making City one of the major unknown quantities in the second tier.
The Sky Blues begin life in the Championship on Saturday 12 September with an away match against Bristol City, marking an end to the Club’s eight-year spell outside of the second division. Coventry face a short trip to Stadium:MK on Saturday 5 September, where they face MK Dons in the first round of the Carabao Cup.