It won’t take long for Wrexham to strengthen their squad, but the striker’s goals and club legend’s future are still to be resolved
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has a lot to think about in January (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Wrexham have just over a week left to rebuild their squad before the winter transfer window closes. The deadline for the Red Dragons to finalize a deal is Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
The Welsh team, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mack, are currently aiming to qualify for the Championship play-offs. Club leaders have confirmed that manager Phil Parkinson is being backed financially to strengthen his side as they aim for an unprecedented fourth successive promotion.
Wrexham have so far experienced a relatively quiet spell with no new faces arriving at the racecourse, despite spending £33m on signings last summer. Two players have left the club so far, with captain James McLean joining his hometown Derry City and striker Jake Bickerstaff making a permanent move to League Two side Cheltenham.
But Parkinson will need to act quickly if Wrexham are to improve their chances of earning a coveted play-off spot. It would be a huge shock if Wrexham’s aspirational club were unable to bring in reinforcements, and the future of several existing squad members would also have to be clarified.
Here we look at what Mirror Football should prioritize between now and the deadline.
Join us on Facebook!** For the latest news, analysis and more, visit our Mirror Football Facebook page**
Siddiqui Sherif sign
Parkinson confirmed the club are in talks with a number of potential signings as the January transfer window approaches, but remains tight-lipped about specific targets. His comments followed reports suggesting the Red Dragons are eyeing a club-record snap from teenage striker Siddiqui Sherif.
The 19-year-old, currently at Angers in France, is said to be the focus of a £19m deal that could break Wrexham’s existing transfer record. Sherif, who has scored four goals in League One this season, is exactly the dynamic attacking threat that Wrexham need to turn a narrow loss into a victory as they aim to reach the play-offs.
Wrexham are reportedly interested in Angers striker Siddiqui Cherif (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Competition from Crystal Palace would be a significant obstacle to a potential deal, but Wrexham have significant financial resources so a move cannot be completely ruled out. Form and momentum alone may prove not to be enough to keep Wrexham through a difficult second half of the season.
Injecting speed and scoring ability, preferably by retaining a forward of Sherif’s quality, will become increasingly important if they are to realize their playoff ambitions.
I found Paul Mullin’s solution
There was a time when the prospect of Paul Mullin leaving Wrexham seemed virtually unthinkable. Along with Reynolds and Mack, the popular frontman has become an iconic figure in the club’s rise up the football pyramid, having featured prominently in an incredible series of promotions from the National League to the Championship for the third time in a row.
Wrexham star Paul Mullin faces an uncertain future (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
The situation changed after manager Parkinson strengthened his front line with the signings of Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez last winter. Mullin then found himself in a corner and spent the first half of this season on loan at Wigan Athletic.
However, the League One side opted to terminate his contract early, allowing the 31-year-old to return to the racecourse ground earlier this month. Parkinson has yet to make a final decision on Marin’s future, but the striker featured in a closed-door friendly against Liverpool last week.
As the January transfer window draws to a close, the urgency to find a definitive solution is increasing, with a temporary exit from Wrexham looking the most likely scenario to materialize once again.
Right wing-back arrives
One position Wrexham are sure to strengthen is right wing-back. Issa Kabore, on loan from Manchester City, has played his role admirably when he has been available this season.
Wrexham are reportedly pursuing Yann Valery from Sheffield Wednesday (Image: )
However, his recent call-up to Burkina Faso’s African Cup of Nations squad after being sidelined with injury has exposed Wrexham’s lack of options on the right. Young Swedish player Hampass Skoglund, who currently plays for Hammarby IF, has been linked with the possibility of joining the club during this period to fill the void.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Yann Valery is also reportedly in the spotlight as the financially strapped club looks to increase their coffers through the sale of players. Scottish giants Rangers are one of the clubs keen to sign Valerie before the transfer window closes.
Elliot Lee to retire
Midfielder Elliott Lee may be out, albeit temporarily. Lee, who was the driving force behind Wrexham’s unprecedented triple promotion, is said to be under consideration for a loan move in January as he struggles to find regular playing time.
The 31-year-old is yet to feature in the Championship for Wrexham this season. Parkinson revealed there was a possibility of a move for Lee, but he remains hopeful that another deal can be struck before the transfer window closes.
Parkinson said: “Elliott has now had a good week and a half of training. He wants to go out on loan and play and we respect that. There are clubs who were very close to agreeing a contract and they moved on to other clubs looking for players of a different profile, but I’m sure there are clubs who will be keeping an eye on Elliott.”
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
