Wrexham were busy over the summer transfer window but Phil Parkinson was able to secure one truly exceptional signing.
Wrexham achieved back-to-back promotions, rapidly progressing from the National League to League One.
Phil Parkinson had a strong squad at his disposal but some tough decisions had to be made in order to take the club forward.
Rob McElhenney’s favourite player Luke Young was let go whilst Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden were among those to leave.
Wrexham bolstered Parkinson’s squad too, with 11 signings now made since winning promotion to League One.
Eight of those came in the summer transfer window with Wrexham adding three free agents since deadline day.
Jacob Mendy hails Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo
Wrexham were busy over the summer and strengthened all over the pitch.
Fees were paid for Sebastian Revan, Lewis Brunt, Dan Scarr, Ollie Rathbone and Modou Faal whilst Callum Burton and George Dobson were landed as free agents.
The same goes for Arthur Okonkwo, who joined Wrexham on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract came to an end.
Okonkwo was outstanding on loan at Wrexham last season and some feared he had played his way not a perceivably ‘bigger’ move.
Wrexham got the deal done though, signing Okonkwo permanently in a huge coup.
Okonkwo has been superb in League One and has now been praised by Jacob Mendy.
The Wrexham wing back has told the official FA Cup X account that he thinks Okonkwo is quite simply the best goalkeeper in League One.
A few stoppers may fancy themselves to challenge Okonkwo but Mendy is in no doubt that Okonkwo stands above the rest.
“Arthur… personally I think he’s the best keeper in the league,” said Mendy.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have struck gold
Okonkwo on a free transfer was an absolute bargain and will certainly go down as Wrexham’s most impressive deal.
Nigeria are even interested in calling up Okonkwo; that is how good he has been in a Wrexham shirt.
Phil Parkinson’s plans will have tempted Okonkwo but the Wrexham boss has admitted that Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds played a key role.
Parkinson recently thanked McElhenney and Reynolds for signing Okonkwo, believing that this is a deal Wrexham should be proud of given the rival interest for his signature.
Wrexham have certainly struck gold with Okonkwo; he is one of the very best keepers in League One and would be worth a fortune if anybody came calling for him.
Not bad for a free transfer.