League One promotion winners Wrexham are preparing an audacious bid in an attempt to poach a Championship rival’s prime target from the Premier League as Hull City, Birmingham City and Southampton all scramble to secure the transfer.
Wrexham are preparing for life in the Championship after an unprecedented third promotion in a row, that has seen them move from the depths of the National League up to the second tier of English football in a short period of time.
With such a rapid rise many of the side that helped them win the National League have departed including club legend Paul Mullin, who joined Wigan Athletic. But with the huge step up in competition, and ambitions to continue the push up the football pyramid new signings will be required with a higher ability level.
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Wrexham Attempt to Poach Birmingham City, Hull City and Southampton Transfer Target
It had been reported yesterday that Nottingham Forest had set a price of £8million for midfielder Lewis O’Brien, with Birmingham City and Southampton in the race for his signature and Hull City leading the race with a £5million offer on the table. However, it would appear that landing his signature will not be as plain sailing as they would have hoped.
Wrexham have now matched the £5million price and are hoping that their Hollywood pull can convince him that a move to Wales would be the right one for him. Phil Parkinson’s side are ready and willing to battle it out for top targets from the Premier League and according to Alan Nixon this is the latest in a long line.
The bid will be a real show of intent for the newly promoted side and will smash their transfer record. Not only demonstrating their financial might, but also their pull and willingness to compete with more established Championship sides.
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Wrexham’s Premier League Dream
The dream for Wrexham’s Hollywood owners is to make it to the Premier League, taking the club from non-league to the top flight, even with the amount of money spent is remarkable. However, it will be more difficult this year compared to previous years.
They have been able to outspend their opposition (albeit in very clever and sensible ways) and use their unique selling points to attract players that wouldn’t normally drop down to the division but the pull of some of the clubs in the Championship, and wealth is on a different level, even than League One last season.
The club will need to “box clever” and look for opportunities to add Premier League or top-end Championship quality players quickly whilst also maintaining their core values instilled in them by Phil Parkinson.
Journalist’s Analysis
There are very few club’s in the country that can match Wrexham’s very unique pull. They can offer opportunities that no other side can and propel you into stardom. When Paul Mullin was playing for Cambridge United I doubt he would have believed you if you told him he would be in a Disney Marvel movie dressed as a Welsh version of Deadpool. So long as they can match the finances and keep the “dream” alive I can see more players being attracted to the move.