Wrexham have already made one signing following their promotion to the Championship, while talisman Paul Mullin has left on loan, with other big decisions now looming for the club
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham, owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, have big decisions to make this summer
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has some big decisions to make as he looks to assemble a team capable of competing in the Championship next season. The Welsh side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have so far passed every challenge they've faced with flying colours after achieving three successive promotions.
However, the second tier is a different beast altogether, with recently-relegated Premier League clubs Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town to contend with. Sheffield United, who missed out on promotion last season to Sunderland, and Frank Lampard's Coventry City are also expected to be near the top of the table.
The Red Dragons have already confirmed their first summer signing after bringing in striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle. Parkinson has also shown his ruthless side after allowing club talisman Paul Mullin to join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan and releasing veteran forward Steven Fletcher.
With his squad due to return to the club this week for pre-season tests, the former Bolton and Sunderland boss will have more tough choices awaiting him. An advisor to Reynolds and McElhenney recently provided an insight into the type of player Wrexham will be seeking to attract over the coming weeks.
Speaking to the i Paper, Les Reed, who sits on the club's transfer committee said: "In the Championship, they [new signings] will need to be athletic. Our ambition will be to drive the average age down, but at the same time remain competitive.
"We can't just go 'that's it, we're only going for younger players'. A couple of clubs recently – and I won't mention their names – have done that, and it hasn't worked. It will be a mix."
So, how might Wrexham find themselves lining up next season as they look to strike the right balance over the summer? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at some of the key moves which could happen, both inwards and outwards.
Ex-Prem defender and Liverpool starlet arrive
Wolves defender Craig Dawson
Wrexham are said to be eyeing a move for Wolves defender Craig Dawson
Wrexham's impressive defensive record was key to their success in League One, conceding just 34 goals overall last season. But reinforcements will be required to make the next step up as several members of their backline have followed the club all the way from the National League.
One rumoured target who would bring much-needed top level experience is Wolves centre-back Craig Dawson, whose contract is due to expire at the end of June. The 35-year-old is understood to have attracted Wrexham's interest after also turning out for West Brom, Watford and West Ham during his career.
The importance of balancing experience and youth was stressed by Reed in his interview, and the prospective signing of promising Liverpool youngster Owen Beck on loan would assist in that regard. The Red Dragons are keen on snapping up the 22-year-old left-back after he shone during a temporary stint with Blackburn Rovers last season, and it's a move which would make a lot of sense as they look to the future.
Rival's captain snatched to boost midfield
One way to improve your chances of competing is to weaken your opponents. Sheffield Wednesday are currently in dire straits with several team members still not paid their wages for May, resulting in the club being placed under a transfer embargo.
Barry Bannan plays for Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan is also believed to be on Wrexham's radar
The situation has sparked fears that key players could leave, and Wrexham could take advantage by snatching Owls captain Barry Bannan, who has been linked with a move to North Wales. Bannan is a seasoned Championship campaigner, making 447 appearance for Wednesday since joining the club in 2015.
The 35-year-old's current contract at Hillsborough is due to expire at the end of this month. Despite his advancing years, Wrexham are said to be willing to pay him a "top salary" and it would represent a smart move as they look to establish themselves at the next level.
Parkinson cuts second club legend loose
Wrexham fans are slowly getting used to saying hard goodbyes this summer following the departure of firm favourites like Fletcher and Mullin. Many supporters found the latter joining Wigan on loan difficult to process after scoring 110 goals for the club and playing a crucial role in their recent promotions.
Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer
Wrexham fans may have to say goodbye to another club legend in Ollie Palmer
However, there could be more outgoings to come, with Mullin's strike partner Ollie Palmer high on the list of candidates expected to head for the exit door. Palmer has served the club well, scoring 44 goals in the last four seasons, and was recently described by Parkinson as a Wrexham "legend" during an interview with the BBC.
The 33-year-old was particularly instrumental in the National League title-winning campaign in 2022-23. But due to his advancing years and diminishing goal return, netting just three time last season, Palmer's departure looks not only to be inevitable, but necessary.
Big names must be avoided
Wrexham have been linked with some big name stars during the current transfer window. The likes of Leicester legend Jamie Vardy, ex-Liverpool striker Danny Ings and even Christian Eriksen have been touted as potential targets, highlighting the size of the club's profile.
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With the Welcome to Wrexham documentary in mind, there could be a temptation to go for a megastar to capture the attention of viewers. However, there are several good reasons why Wrexham should avoid going down that route.
For starters, the club's success in recent years has mostly been delivered as a result of Parkinson prioritising good characters over high profile signings. Likewise, trying to attract players like Vardy, who reportedly earned £140,000 a week at Leicester, will be a tough ask, even for Wrexham.
Transfer advisor Reed recently set out the reality of the club's financial position in his recent interview, saying: "We are a million miles away from [paying] that because we don't get Premier League revenues or broadcasting money. We will have a decent budget. Everyone externally thinks we've got an unlimited budget because of our owners, but that's not true."
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