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EXCLUSIVE: Coventry City Part Ways with £25,000-a-Week Fan Favorite Ellis Simms; Wrexham AFC Close in on Blockbuster Transfer Deal
In what can only be described as one of the most dramatic developments of the summer transfer window so far, Coventry City have officially parted ways with striker Ellis Simms, according to multiple sources including Sky Sports. The 23-year-old forward, who has been earning a reported £25,000-a-week, has been a fan favorite at the Coventry Building Society Arena but is now on the verge of sealing a sensational move to Wrexham AFC, with a club-to-club agreement said to be in place with Huddersfield Town, the new custodians of Simms’ contract.
Sources close to the deal have revealed that Simms has agreed to the Wrexham project, and personal terms are said to be finalized pending a medical and official announcement. Wrexham, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are reportedly prepared to match the striker’s wage demands in what could be one of the club’s most ambitious signings since their return to the EFL.
From Coventry Glory to Transfer Exit
Ellis Simms joined Coventry City from Everton in the summer of 2023 for a fee believed to be in the region of £3.5 million. Much was expected of the tall, powerful striker, and while he had moments of brilliance — including a memorable brace against Sunderland and crucial goals during Coventry’s strong mid-season run — his overall impact was inconsistent. Simms ended the 2023/24 season with 11 goals in all competitions, a respectable tally but perhaps short of the club’s expectations given his wage and profile.
Despite showing flashes of promise, whispers of discontent regarding his performances and a lack of tactical fit within Mark Robins’ system began to grow louder as the season progressed. Simms often found himself playing second fiddle to more dynamic attackers, and by April, speculation surrounding his future intensified.
Sources say Coventry’s decision to move him on was partly financial. With the club facing the need to balance its wage structure and invest in other key areas of the squad, letting go of one of their top earners became a logical step. In stepped Huddersfield Town, who snapped up the striker in a surprise move earlier this week — reportedly as part of a three-club deal that would allow them to flip Simms immediately to Wrexham for a profit.
Wrexham’s Ambition Hits New Heights
Wrexham AFC’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From National League obscurity to League One contention in just a few years, the club has been transformed by its celebrity ownership and ambitious sporting project. After securing back-to-back promotions and stabilizing their position in the EFL, the club is now targeting a push for the Championship — and they believe Simms could be the man to lead the line in their next chapter.
Simms’ blend of physicality, finishing ability, and experience in the Championship makes him an ideal fit for Wrexham’s system. Manager Phil Parkinson, who has been instrumental in the club’s rise, is believed to be a long-time admirer of Simms and personally greenlit the move.
“The club has been tracking Ellis for quite some time,” a source within Wrexham revealed. “When it became clear that Coventry were open to letting him go and that Huddersfield were willing to facilitate the move, the board acted swiftly. Ellis is excited by the project and the ambition here.”
Indeed, reports suggest that Simms was impressed by the club’s vision, infrastructure, and the opportunity to become a central figure in Wrexham’s attacking plans. He is expected to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours, with an announcement potentially arriving before the weekend.
Fan Reaction & What Comes Next
Coventry fans have reacted with a mix of disappointment and understanding. While Simms was a popular figure, many recognize the financial burden his wages imposed and the need for reinvestment. “Ellis gave us some great moments, but we need players who fit the system and budget,” one fan wrote on social media.
For Wrexham fans, this represents another statement of intent from a club refusing to rest on its laurels. With signings like Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer, and now potentially Ellis Simms, the club is building a side capable not just of surviving but competing at the top of League One — and possibly beyond.
If the deal is finalized, Simms will become one of the highest-paid players in Wrexham’s history, and his arrival could spark further activity in the market, with rumors swirling about potential outgoings to balance the wage bill.
For now, all eyes are on the official confirmation — but one thing is clear: Wrexham AFC mean business, and Ellis Simms could be the jewel in their crown for the upcoming campaign.
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