Wrexham are expected to be busy in the transfer market as they prepare for life in the Championship, with Phil Parkinson's side looking to strike the right balance this summer
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds could oversee some big changes at his club ahead of next season
(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson faces significant choices as he aims to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship next season. The Welsh club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have so far aced every test they've encountered, achieving three consecutive promotions.
However, the second tier is an entirely different kettle of fish, with recently-relegated Premier League teams Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town posing a challenge. Sheffield United, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season to Sunderland, and Frank Lampard's Coventry City are also anticipated to be strong contenders.
The Red Dragons have already announced their first summer acquisition, securing striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle. Parkinson has also demonstrated his ruthless streak, allowing club icon Paul Mullin to join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan and releasing seasoned forward Steven Fletcher.
As his team prepares to return for pre-season assessments this week, the former Bolton and Sunderland boss will face more difficult decisions. A recent insight into the type of player Wrexham will be looking to attract in the coming weeks was provided by an advisor to Reynolds and McElhenney.
Speaking to the i Paper, Les Reed from the club's transfer committee outlined the strategy for new signings. "In the Championship, they [new signings] will need to be athletic," he said. "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."
The question now is how Wrexham might set themselves up for the next season, aiming for the sweet spot with their recruitment. Here, WalesOnline delves into what we might expect from the club's transfer activity, looking at potential arrivals and departures.
Dawson and Beck bolster defence
Wolves defender Craig Dawson
Wolves defender Craig Dawson could join Wrexham this summer
Wrexham turned in some strong defensive performances as they climbed out of League One last term, letting in only 34 goals. could be seeing some key additions and changes. But they will still need to bolster their defence, with some of their backline having followed them all the way from the National League.
Among those speculated to join is Wolverhampton Wanderers' seasoned defender Craig Dawson, who is reaching the end of his contract this June. With experience at clubs like West Brom, Watford, and West Ham, the 35-year-old's availability has reportedly caught the eye of Wrexham officials.
Reed emphasised the significance of blending experience with youthful talent in his interview, and the potential loan acquisition of Liverpool's promising young player Owen Beck would contribute to this balance. The Red Dragons are eager to secure the services of the 22-year-old left-back, who impressed during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last season, and it would be a strategic move to improve their future prospects.
Sheffield Wednesday captain joins to strengthen midfield
Strategically, weakening your rivals can enhance your competitive edge. And Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in a precarious position with several players unpaid for May, leading to a transfer embargo on the club.
Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan
Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan has yet to sign a new contract and is another target for Wrexham
The precarious situation has raised concerns about key players departing, and Wrexham could capitalise by luring Owls skipper Barry Bannan to North Wales. With a wealth of Championship experience, Bannan has made 447 appearances for Wednesday since his arrival in 2015.
The 35-year-old midfielder's contract at Hillsborough is set to expire at the end of June. Despite his age, Wrexham are reportedly prepared to offer him a "top salary", a move that could prove astute as they aim to cement their status at a higher level.
Parkinson to let go of another club icon
Wrexham supporters are bracing themselves for a summer of emotional farewells, with key players such as Fletcher and Mullin moving on. The latter's loan move to Wigan has been particularly tough for fans to swallow, given his 110-goal contribution and pivotal role in the club's recent successes.
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Yet, more departures could be on the horizon, with Ollie Palmer, Mullin's partner in attack, tipped to be next in line to leave. Palmer, hailed as a "legend" by manager Parkinson in a BBC interview, has been a stalwart for the club, netting 44 goals over four seasons.
Despite playing a vital part in the 2022-23 National League triumph, Palmer's age and reduced goal tally of three last season suggest that his exit may be both imminent and necessary for the team's evolution.
Resist splashing out on big names
As the transfer window unfolds, Wrexham have been associated with high-profile figures like Leicester icon Jamie Vardy, former Liverpool forward Danny Ings, and even Christian Eriksen. These rumours underscore the club's growing stature.
With the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary potentially influencing decisions, the club might feel the pull towards signing a blockbuster name. However, there are compelling arguments for Wrexham to resist such temptations and steer clear of marquee signings.
To begin with, the team's recent triumphs have largely been thanks to Parkinson placing a premium on securing individuals with strong moral fibre rather than chasing mega stars. Similarly, luring talents such as Vardy, who is understood to pull in £140,000 weekly at Leicester, poses quite the financial challenge for Wrexham.
In a telling interview, transfer adviser Reed laid bare the financial realities facing the club, 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."