Ryan Reynolds will be aiming for a Premier League spot with Wrexham next season. (Image: Associated Press)
Wrexham, who came agonizingly close to securing a Championship play-off spot during their first season in the second division for 43 years, once again face a crucial summer transfer window. The Welsh side drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough on the final day, ending the season two points behind Hull City.
There is no need for another major rebuild after signing 19 players last summer to rebuild the squad that secured promotion from League One. Nevertheless, there are some positions where they have to strengthen their options. Here, Express Sport looks at some of the high-profile names currently linked to Phil Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham have alternated between Arthur Okonkwo and Danny Ward as number one throughout the season and may choose to go with the undisputed first-choice option, or Okonkwo may be given another chance after a largely excellent performance in his first Championship season.
With both players in the final year of their contracts, any decision regarding their future will indicate which one Parkinson prioritizes. Third-choice goalkeeper Callum Barton could leave after just two League Cup appearances.
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Defensively, Wrexham are well-stocked in the middle with Callum Doyle, Dan Scurr, captain Dom Higham, Max Cleworth and Zac Vyner all competing for places. However, the team lacks wide strength, especially with Issa Kabore’s loan coming to an end.
With at least three wing-backs needed, re-signing the Manchester City loanee once more, temporarily if not permanently, would be a smart move, and would also reignite interest in Ireland international Festi Ebosele and Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin to strengthen the squad.
Liberato Cacace will move back to the left wing after playing for New Zealand at the World Cup, allowing George Thomason to return to a reserve role or move back to a more natural midfield position.
Issa Kabore could return to Wrexham. (Image: Getty Images)
Matty James remained a key part of the midfield throughout last season, but he will turn 35 this summer, meaning Wrexham must find a successor. Harry Winks fits a similar profile and brings recent experience having secured promotion to the Premier League with Leicester City, and will be available following their relegation to League One.
Going further, Wrexham are one of the clubs said to be interested in Dunkirk attacking midfielder Enzo Baldelli. The Lille academy graduate will become a free agent at the end of the season and looks set to leave Ligue 2 after an impressive breakthrough in which he scored 10 goals and assisted a further seven in all competitions.
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Wrexham must look to take pressure off Kieffer Moore and Sam Smith up front. Rumors of Ibrahim Diabaté surfaced last winter and their pursuit could be reignited if Alaves choose against signing the striker permanently from GAIS at the end of his loan spell.
He scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against Barcelona, the Ivorian’s second since joining. If they suffer relegation, Wrexham could have a shot at being Sweden’s co-top scorer from last season, unless another Spanish club shows interest.
