Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas has now predicted how many signings Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will make this summer.
Wrexham have powered their way through the National League and League Two following back-to-back promotions but it feels as though the hard part of their journey starts now.
The Reds didn’t have it all their own way last season and had to battle through some tough periods, namely a three-match losing streak in January and February, but Phil Parkinson’s men still secured promotion with two matches to spare.
In the fourth and fifth tier, Wrexham had by far the biggest budget however, upon returning to League One, other clubs can match their financial power, with Huddersfield and Birmingham City likely to spend.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have also been tipped to open their chequebook and make some impressive signings, with Reds legend Mickey Thomas predicting how many they’ll need.
Mickey Thomas makes Wrexham transfer window prediction
A former Wales international, Thomas made 230 appearances for Wrexham between 1972 and 1978.
Nowadays Thomas regularly watches home games at the STōK Cae Ras, so he’s well placed to comment on the club’s upcoming transfer window, citing how many signings he thinks they’ll make.
Last summer, McElhenney and Reynolds brought six through the door, including Arthur Okonkwo, James McClean and Steven Fletcher, but the former Wrexham winger believes they’ll sign at least three or four this time around.
Speaking to The Leader, he said: “You’d expect three or four new signings at least.
“Recruitment is key and Phil will already have the players he wants on his radar. And he’ll be looking for quality and League One is a really big step up.
“But I can’t see him having problems enticing quality players to sign.
“With everything that’s happening at Wrexham since Ryan and Rob took over, Wrexham is an attractive option for players from higher leagues and they pay decent money too.”
Wrexham need at least six signings this summer
Contrary to what Thomas said, Wrexham need at least six signings this summer if they are to achieve their lofty ambitions of being promoted to the Championship.
The Reds waved goodbye to nine first-team players earlier this month which has allowed Parkinson more wriggle room to work with but also reinforced the need to add some serious talent to his squad.
For starters, they need to sign a new number one. Okonkwo is their top target but the former Arsenal man – who starred at Wrexham last term – is wanted by multiple Championship clubs.
A new left-back to compete with Jacob Mendy is also a must while a midfielder to challenge Andy Cannon or Elliot Lee is desired, prompting links to Brighton’s Marc Leonard.
Wrexham must replace their departing defensive trio of Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe by signing a new centre-back, with free agent Marvin Ekpiteta reportedly on their radar.
In Parkinson’s 3-5-2 system, that leaves just a striker on their list of priorities as the club are desperate for a long-term partner for Paul Mullin, especially with the ages of Ollie Palmer and Fletcher.
Nonetheless, it promises to be a busy summer once more and if Wrexham can nail their recruitment – as they have done previously – a third promotion in a row shouldn’t be ruled out.