(Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung)

Jacob Raw

Sat 18 April 2026 12:10, UK

West Ham United may be tempted to go back in for Bobby Thomas after watching the centre-back score to promote Coventry City back to the Premier League on Friday.

The Hammers were tipped to make a move for the defender in the January transfer window, but with the Sky Blues firmly in the hunt for promotion, it was always a difficult deal.

However, the Irons never made a formal bid, which suggests the club wanted to see further proof that the Englishman was ready for the Premier League.

Thomas scored an 85th-minute equaliser in Coventry’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers, as the thumping header meant the Sky Blues were mathematically back in the top-flight after a 25-year exile.

West Ham will still have Thomas on their radar, and his performances in the second half of the Championship season may give David Sullivan all the validation he needs to go for it this time.

How well has Bobby Thomas played this season?

Frank Lampard wanted to keep Thomas, and West Ham’s push for Axel Disasi was always a top priority.

Looking back on how everything unfolded, Sullivan will be delighted that he went all in on Disasi, who could join the Hammers this summer on a permanent deal.

However, even though the centre-back position is an area that Nuno Espirito Santo has improved in recent weeks, a lack of quality in depth is there for all to see.

Thomas has been colossal for Coventry all season long, and the 25-year-old looks more ready than ever for the step up to the Premier League.

There are two different ways that the Irons could sign the former Burnley defender, as relegation wouldn’t rule anything out.

Everyone knows the price that comes with promotion, and it’s not known whether Thomas will be a first-choice starter next season for the Sky Blues, despite all his good work this term.

Konstantinos Mavropanos exit means Thomas bid more likely

Reports this week have suggested a huge bombshell in that Konstantinos Mavropanos is set to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season in search of a new challenge.

Multiple Premier League clubs are said to be interested, as the Hammers will soon need to replace the defender, regardless of which division they find themselves in next season.

Thomas seems like someone who could be an option for both possibilities, as his age suggests there is still room for improvement.

Sullivan may also be interested in adding another English player to West Ham’s books, and the Coventry star may be high up on his transfer wishlist.

Haji Wright is also another player who has been linked with the Hammers, and it will be interesting to see what money may sway Coventry’s owner, Doug King, this summer.