Wrexham take on Southampton in their opening Championship match this weekend, travelling down to St Mary’s for what will be a tough encounter against the Saints.
Last season, Southampton finished rock bottom of the Premier League with just 12 points, whilst Wrexham earned promotion from League One, finishing in 2nd place while earning a third-straight promotion in the process.
Experienced Dragons manager Phil Parkinson takes on the 32-year-old Will Still in what is his first job in England, and whilst many expect Southampton to brush past Wrexham, the tide has quickly changed in the last few weeks with the Dragons having made a number of impressive signings, as the Saints seem to be stalling in the transfer market.
- READ MORE: Wrexham in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Premier League player as Dragons close in on signing number nine
Wrexham’s summer signings vs Southampton’s
This week, Wrexham have signed Conor Coady and Kieffer Moore to take their summer signings tally up to eight. There have been some impressive signings so far with Wrexham breaking their transfer record to sign Lewis O’Brien in what was a rumoured £4m deal from Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile at Southampton, there have only been two new signings this summer. Still has managed to bring in Damion Downs from German side FC Cologne and Joshua Quarshie from Hoffenheim.
Southampton though still retain a number of their key players from last season including midfielder Mateus Fernandes, whilst Tyler Dibling could be about to join Everton.
- READ MORE: Wrexham in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Premier League player as Dragons close in on signing number nine
| Wrexham signings so far this summer | Southampton signings so far this summer |
| Ryan Hardie | Damion Downs |
| Danny Ward | Joshua Quarshie |
| Liberato Cacace | |
| George Thomason | |
| Lewis O’Brien | |
| Josh Windass | |
| Conor Coady | |
| Kieffer Moore |
Southampton fans lament the lack of signings ahead of Wrexham game
Southampton fans appear to be fearing the worst ahead of the new season, mainly because of the lack of signings. One Saints fan recently posted online: “Season starts this Saturday, lots of exits, not many incomings, waiting for some real statement signings to show we are backing the new manager.”
Meanwhile, another Southampton fan posted online: “It just seems like the side isn’t ready, squad still too bloated with deadwood and a few new signings yet.”
The lack of signings certainly seems to be a key theme for Southampton fans on social media. A similar comment read: “I have high hopes but this squad isn’t ready for the weekend in my opinion and we need incomings quickly.”
Meanwhile, one Saints fan even compared Wrexham’s and Southampton’s summer business. They posted: “Not saying they’re promotion candidates but Wrexham are building a very good Championship side. Saints fans, our opening fixture is looking more difficult by the day, especially with our lack of signings.”
Wrexham’s game against Southampton kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday and will be shown live on Sky Sports.