Wrexham are fast approaching their opening Championship game away at Southampton and more tweaks could be made before the Hollywood-owned side get their campaign underway
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has had a very busy summer after leading his team to promotion from League One last season. The former Bolton and Sunderland manager has received significant backing to improve his squad from the club’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons have so far brought in seven new players, with an eighth imminent in Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore. There have also been several notable outgoings, including Wrexham legend Paul Mullin’s loan move to Wigan Athletic.
The Welsh side will kick off their Championship campaign with a tough test at Southampton on Saturday. And Parkinson has indicated there could be more fresh recruits on their way before the season starts.
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Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel, he said: “Are we completely ready? I hope there’s a bit more transfer activity this week but by next Saturday we will be ready for action.”
Wrexham find themselves in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after registering an astonishing three consecutive promotions. Their ambition shows no sign of slowing either as their owners’ once-unlikely dream of reaching the Premier League edges closer.
So, how might Wrexham find themselves lining up against the Saints as they look to bring in more new signings? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at some of the key moves which could happen, both inwards and outwards.
Club transfer record smashed as £7.5m winger arrives
Wrexham have already beaten their club transfer record twice so far this summer. The £2.1million acquisition of Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace was the first to top the marker previously set by striker Sam Smith’s arrival from Reading in January.
That was followed by Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien being signed for a reported fee of up to £5m. The record could potentially be surpassed again as Wrexham chase down a deal to sign Ipswich winger Nathan Broadhead.
Club officials have tabled a £7.5m bid for the Wales international, but are waiting on an answer from their Championship rivals. A combination of injuries and transfer interest in other Ipswich forward could hamper the move.
However, all is not lost, and there is a possibility that the Tractor Boys may find a replacement to grease the wheels of Broadhead’s switch to North Wales.
Ajax star joins in £4m swoop
Despite already bringing in several reinforcements in the centre of the park, Wrexham still appear to be in the market for a defensive midfielder. Ajax man Sivert Mannsverk is one target who has got fans talking after he spent the end of last season out on loan at Cardiff City in the second tier.
Reports suggest Mannsverk’s signature would cost them up to £4m in total. Ajax are said to be willing to let the 23-year-old leave permanently this summer.
The Norway Under-21 international has only managed 18 appearances for the Dutch giants. However, he would significantly boost Wrexham’s options in the defensive midfield role.
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Parkinson cuts players loose to trim bloated squad
Wrexham’s bloated squad could prove to be a problem for Parkinson unless he takes action soon. The Red Dragons currently have more than 30 senior players on their books after a flurry of transfer activity.
Championship clubs can only have squads of up to 25 players under league rules. It means Wrexham could be left with some unhappy faces who find themselves surplus to requirements.
Parkinson has already sanctioned loan moves for Mullin and Jake Bickerstaff, while Luke Bolton and Will Boyle have left permanently for Mansfield and Shrewsbury respectively. More departures are needed though, with reports that striker Ollie Palmer could be on his way out.
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