The arrival of Kaine Kesler-Hayden has sparked plenty of debate amongst Coventry City fans all eager to know whether the transfer signals the end of Milan van Ewijk’s time at the club.
The Dutchman was the Sky Blues only recognised right-back last season and, as such, arguably suffered in terms of his form at times for being relied upon so heavily and not being able to have the occasional rest or competition to push him.
All managers aim to have two players competing for each position in the team and Kesler-Hayden addresses that gap at right-back. But it also begs the question whether the club will cash in on Van Ewijk who has been the subject of plenty of interest over the last few transfer windows and, most recently, this week linked with Fulham.
In an ideal world Frank Lampard would have the luxury of both vying for the right defensive berth next season, something many fans would love to see while others feel there’s an inevitability about Van Ewijk’s future.
A big sale, of course, would not only cover the cost of Kesler-Hayden but also provide funds for more fresh faces, with fans all keen to see former loan defender Callum Doyle return to the club after declaring that he needs to break ties with his parent club Manchester City and make a permanent move this summer following four consecutive season-long loans at Sunderland, Coventry, Leicester and Norwich.
Here’s what supporters have been saying on the subject when asked whether it’s inevitable that Van Ewijk will be sold not that Kesler-Hayden has arrived:
Steve Jones: Highly likely rather than inevitable - smart business though. Bit like the Grimes deal - buying before you sell means no pressure to buy to fill a vacancy in the squad or other clubs knowing you’ve money to spend, both of which bump up the transfer fee.
Rick: Personally like most fans I want Milan van Ewijk to stay, but I also can’t see Kaine Kesler sitting on the bench for half the games, I’m sure he would of asked for assurances about 1st team football before signing, so my gut feeling is Milan may be on his way. Hope not.
Zoe: Keeeeeeeeeep him.
Coventry City Uganda Supporters Club: I hope we’re able to retain him! Every team needs someone of his kind! Morale booster and on his day he’s been good!
Michael Rogers: Maybe, if it’s to be Milan and funds a move for Callum Doyle then I’m for it now we have KKH. That said, I hope Milan stays for another season at least and we find funds another way. Looked happy at training yesterday.
Mark Sephton: After seeing him at training yesterday and his energy and mood, I think he’s staying unless we get a ridiculous offer.
Cizalo: Hope not, the new players will need time to settle, we need keep our best players for push to top 2, the relegated teams coming down are going to make that very hard and injury just around the corner as we noticed middle season. People are assuming Kaine has been promised starting role, his permanent signing so needs prove himself, only thing that might force a sale is finances so lets hope Doug backs manager without needing to sell, he had injected large amount at end of the season possibly to spend like this without selling key players.
Kev: We needed a right back, we only have Milan, he is a great guy and hope he stays, this transfer takes a bit of pressure of him and make him a better player. We should not sell him!
Spitfire617: FL knows MVE is going, that’s why he’s signed his replacement.
Tiger Tucks: I think Kaine is an addition rather than a replacement. We are light on the right and he will provide cover if tats struggles or MVE.
Theabbott: I hope we can keep MVE for at least until January and then if we are in top 6 he will stay to get us promoted or if not he could leave for a big fee.
What do you think? Join the debate HERE.
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