Wrexham’s first signing of the summer has now been completed, but Phil Parkinson will remain in the hunt for new signings.
Wrexham fans waited patiently for a first summer signing, and many would say Ryan Hardie’s arrival was worth that wait.
Hardie joined Wrexham in a £700,000 move from Plymouth Argyle, with the striker penning a three-year deal at the STōK Cae Ras.
The Scot provides a major boost to Wrexham’s attacking options, having enjoyed double-figure goalscoring campaigns in his two Championship seasons.
Phil Parkinson will be delighted with his first summer signing, but the plan to recruit more signings continues.
Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong could join forces at Wrexham
Many of the rumours surrounding Wrexham in recent weeks have featured players in their 30s.
28-year-old Hardie was the first signing, but Parkinson may still have veteran signings in mind.
Danny Ings is on Wrexham’s radar with the striker leaving West Ham United on a free transfer this summer.
Reports from The Sun’s Alan Nixon added that Wrexham are interested in landing Stuart Armstrong after his release from Sheffield Wednesday.
Wrexham may be keen to add striker Ings and midfielder Armstrong together, given their history together with Southampton.
Ings and Armstrong both joined Southampton in 2018 and went on to play 70 games together for the Saints.
The more impressive factor here is that the duo combined for seven goals in those 70 matches, made up of Armstrong assisting Ings four times and Ings assisting Armstrong on three occasions.
The pair clearly developed a great understanding at Southampton and could rekindle that connection with Wrexham.
Both players are still capable of making an impact at Championship level, but the idea of bringing them back together makes these potential deals even more interesting.
Where Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong would fit in for Wrexham
Wrexham have just signed a new striker in Hardie, but that doesn’t completely rule out a move to sign Ings as well.
Steven Fletcher has left Wrexham, Paul Mullin is in talks with Wigan Athletic, and Ollie Palmer could leave this summer.
Hardie brings an impressive Championship record to Wrexham, but Ings has done it at the highest level.
Fletcher’s impact at Wrexham was significant as he brought Premier League quality to the STōK Cae Ras despite his advancing years.
Ings could perform a similar role, offering a proven goal threat either in starting action or from the bench, just like Fletcher.
Armstrong didn’t make a huge impact for Sheffield Wednesday and has been let go on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old would still bring quality to Wrexham’s midfield, especially on the right side of Parkinson’s midfield three.
Armstrong has the quality to get on the ball and offer quality from deep, but also break forward and impact the game in the final third.
The former Celtic star would benefit from a full pre-season at Wrexham, and we can see him offering competition for Ollie Rathbone as a midfielder who can attack the box from deep.