Haji Amir Wright, born on March 27, 1998, is a dynamic American professional soccer player who has been making waves in both club football and for the United States national team. Primarily a forward, Wright also possesses the versatility to play as a winger, making him a valuable asset to any team he represents. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), Wright combines his imposing physical presence with impressive technical skills, a keen eye for goal, and a relentless work ethic. His journey through the ranks of youth soccer to becoming a seasoned international player is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Early Career and Youth Development
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Wright’s passion for soccer was evident from a young age. He honed his skills in the youth academy of LA Galaxy from 2012 to 2015, where his potential as a forward began to blossom. His talent did not go unnoticed, and in 2016, he made a significant move to Europe, joining the youth setup of German Bundesliga club Schalke 04. This move marked a crucial step in his development, exposing him to a different style of play and a higher level of competition.
During his time with Schalke’s academy from 2016 to 2017, Wright continued to impress, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and physical attributes. His performances earned him opportunities with Schalke 04 II, where he scored 14 goals in 22 appearances, demonstrating his prowess in front of the net.
Professional Club Career
New York Cosmos (2015)
Wright’s professional career officially began in 2015 with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Although his stint with the Cosmos was brief, making three appearances, it provided him with his first taste of professional football and set the stage for his subsequent move to Europe.
Schalke 04 (2017-2019)
Returning to Germany, Wright officially joined Schalke 04’s senior team in 2017. During his time with the Bundesliga club, he made seven appearances and scored one goal. To gain more consistent playing time and experience, he was also loaned out to SV Sandhausen in the 2. Bundesliga for the 2017-2018 season, where he played 15 matches and scored once. These early experiences in German football were instrumental in shaping his development and understanding of the European game.
VVV-Venlo (2019-2020)
He played 22 league matches for the Dutch side and scored one goal in the KNVB Cup. This period provided him with valuable experience in a different European league, further broadening his footballing horizons.
SønderjyskE (2020-2022)
A new chapter in Wright’s career began in 2020 when he joined Danish Superliga club SønderjyskE. In his first season (2020-2021), he established himself as a key player, scoring 11 goals in 29 league appearances and adding two more in the DBU Pokalen (Danish Cup). His impressive form continued in the 2021-2022 season, leading to a loan move to Turkish Süper Lig side Antalyaspor.
During his loan spell at Antalyaspor in the 2021-2022 season, Wright truly flourished. He scored 14 goals in 32 Süper Lig matches, including a remarkable streak of scoring in seven consecutive games and nine goals in his last ten appearances. His prolific goal-scoring form made him a fan favorite and highlighted his potential as a leading striker.
Antalyaspor (2022-2023)
He continued his impressive performances in the 2022-2023 season, netting 15 goals in 28 Süper Lig games. His consistent goal-scoring ability and overall contribution were vital for the club as they finished 13th in the league.
Coventry City (2023-Present)
In August 2023, Wright embarked on a new adventure, joining English Championship club Coventry City for a reported fee of £7.7 million, becoming the club’s record signing. He made an immediate impact in the 2023-2024 season, scoring 16 goals in 44 Championship appearances and adding three more in the FA Cup, totaling 19 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were crucial as Coventry City reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
The 2024-2025 season has seen Wright continue his pivotal role for Coventry City. As of May 3, 2025, he has played 27 Championship matches, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist. He has also featured in two EFL Cup matches. His consistent performances and goal-scoring prowess have made him a key player for the Sky Blues as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Notably, he scored a hat-trick against Sunderland on March 15, 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a dangerous forward in the Championship.
Ahead of their Championship play-off clash against Sunderland on May 9, 2025, Wright is considered a significant threat by the Black Cats, having scored four goals against them this season, including the aforementioned hat-trick.
International Career
Wright’s talent has also been recognized at the international level, representing the United States across various youth levels before making his senior debut.
Youth International Career
Wright was a prominent figure in the United States youth national teams. From 2013 to 2015, he was a standout player for the U-17 team, netting an impressive 27 goals in 34 appearances. He also played for the U18s, scoring two goals in five matches in 2014-2015, and the U19s in 2016, making two appearances. In 2019, he represented the U-23 team in two matches. His prolific scoring record at the youth levels highlighted his potential as a future star for the senior national team.
Senior International Career
Wright made his debut for the United States senior national team on June 2, 2022. Since then, he has accumulated 15 caps and scored four goals as of October 15, 2024. He was part of the US squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he made four appearances and scored one goal in the Round of 16 match against the Netherlands. His inclusion in the World Cup squad was a testament to his growing importance to the national team.
In 2024, Wright featured in five international friendly matches and one Copa América match. He scored two goals in the friendlies and provided one assist, further demonstrating his capabilities on the international stage. His versatility allows him to play in various attacking roles for the USMNT, providing tactical flexibility for the coach.
Playing Style and Strengths
Haji Wright is known for his imposing physical presence, standing at 1.93m, which makes him a formidable presence in the air. He excels in winning aerial duels, both defensively and offensively, making him a threat from set-pieces and crosses. His height and strength also allow him to hold up the ball effectively, bringing teammates into play and providing a focal point in attack.
Beyond his physical attributes, Wright possesses impressive technical skills. He has a good first touch and close control, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and beat defenders. His finishing ability is a key strength, as evidenced by his consistent goal-scoring records at various clubs. He can score with both feet and his head, making him a versatile threat in the final third.
Wright is also recognized for his quickness and ability to make intelligent runs in behind the defense. This allows him to stretch opposition defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. While primarily a centre-forward, his experience playing as a winger adds another dimension to his game, providing tactical flexibility and the ability to operate in wider areas.
According to WhoScored.com, Wright’s strengths include his aerial ability and finishing. However, his weaknesses are noted as holding on to the ball, passing, offside awareness, and defensive contribution. These areas represent potential for further development in his game.
Final Thoughts
Haji Wright’s journey in professional soccer has been marked by consistent development and impressive goal-scoring ability across various leagues in Europe. His move to Coventry City has seen him become a key player in the Championship, and his contributions to the United States national team, including his participation in the 2022 World Cup, highlight his growing stature in international football. With his physical attributes, technical skills, and versatility, Wright possesses the qualities to continue his ascent in the world of soccer and is undoubtedly a player to watch for both club and country. As he continues to perform at a high level, further interest from top-flight clubs is likely, and his future in the sport looks bright.
FAQs
What clubs has Haji Wright played for?
Haji Wright has played for LA Galaxy (youth), New York Cosmos, Schalke 04 (including Schalke 04 II), SV Sandhausen (loan), VVV-Venlo, SønderjyskE, Antalyaspor (loan and permanent), and currently plays for Coventry City.
What clubs has Haji Wright played for?
Haji Wright has played for LA Galaxy (youth), New York Cosmos, Schalke 04 (including Schalke 04 II), SV Sandhausen (loan), VVV-Venlo, SønderjyskE, Antalyaspor (loan and permanent), and currently plays for Coventry City
What was Haji Wright’s goal record at Antalyaspor?
During his loan spell in the 2021-2022 season, he scored 14 goals in 32 Süper Lig matches. He followed this up with 15 goals in 28 Süper Lig matches after signing permanently in the 2022-2023 season.
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