One former Wrexham man could have been working with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid next season if not for Brexit complications.
The talk of the footballing world this week is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending move to the Spanish powerhouse.
The 26-year-old has spent his entire career to date on the books of Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and several more trophies.
However, the right-back’s time at Anfield looks to be coming to an end following the close of the 2024/25 season.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract later this year and is close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, according to various sources.
Had things gone differently, meanwhile, one former Wrexham man could have been working alongside the England international at Los Blancos come 2025/26.
Former Wrexham star Andy Mangan had Real Madrid move blocked
It’s not very often the Red Dragons are even mentioned in the same sentence as a team like Real Madrid.
Rob McElhenney tried to bring Gareth Bale to Wrexham, but the former Madrid ace did not take him up on that offer.
Meanwhile, Andy Mangan did actually come very close to joining the European giants earlier this season.
Mangan joined Wrexham from Forest Green in January 2011 before departing for Fleetwood Town 18 months later.
The former striker eventually retired in 2019 and has since stepped into the coaching world, currently working for one of the Welsh outfit’s rivals, Stockport County, as an assistant manager.
Despite honing his craft in League One, reports emerged earlier this year that Real Madrid actually wanted to sign Mangan.
The now 38-year-old was set to become part of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff, but as per The Times, owing to Brexit regulations, the ex-forward’s work permit application was rejected.
It’s understood Mangan had put pen to paper on a contract and had even begun looking at schools in Spain for his children.
Andy Mangan Wrexham stats were impressive
Up until the close of the winter transfer window, Wrexham were in desperate need of fresh reinfocments up front.
They had no such issues when Mangan was at the Racecourse Ground, however, with the Liverpool-born star averaging around a goal every three games for the Welsh side.
| Andy Mangan | Wrexham stats |
| Goals | 23 |
| Appearances | 67 |
| Assists | 0 |
In total, Mangan managed to score 111 goals and assist 34 throughout his playing career and is now looking to reach new heights as a coach.
Wrexham beat Stockport last week, but the Hatters are still in contention to secure a play-off finish in League One.