Wrexham have announced a new contract for a promising young talent amongst their ranks.
Many Wrexham fans will be eager to see big-name transfers come through the door this summer.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are always keen to help bolster Phil Parkinson’s squad. Arrivals of Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee, Steven Fletcher, and club-record signing Ollie Palmer have excited the fanbase in recent seasons.
Parkinson’s squad has a lot of experience, with several players in the latter stages of their careers.
It is important to balance the experience with more youthful prospects being part of the team, Max Cleworth, 21, has been an important rotational defender in the Wrexham backline.
The young defender has been at the club since 2014, progressing through the ranks of Wrexham’s academy.
Cleworth is a perfect example of why the Hollywood owners should strengthen the academy alongside big-name purchases.
Wrexham announce Aaron James has signed a contract extension
The latest prospect that could force his way into Parkinson’s plans is Aaron James
James, 18, signed his first professional contract with the Welsh Dragons in 2021.
Due to injuries to Anthony Forde and Jacob Mendy in the 22/23 season, James became an option that Parkinson would look to.
The 18-year-old made his debut in the FA Trophy in a trip away to face Altrincham in January 2023.
The youth prospect has made five appearances in total for Wrexham, so, the defender will be keen to ensure he can make himself a more prominent member of Parkinson’s squad and become the latest academy graduate for the fanbase to support.
Upon news of his contract extension, speaking to the club website, James said: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal. My family are from the area and it’ll be great to continue here, continue growing and developing with the Club next year as well.”
Reacting to the news, Parkinson told Wrexham AFC: “Aaron developed well as the last season went on. We feel with Aaron that he has a lot of intelligence, and takes that with him into what he does on the pitch.”
“We’re looking forward to working with him through pre-season.”
Arthur Okonkwo is another key youthful target for Parkinson
To add capable youngsters to the squad Arthur Okonkwo has emerged as a key summer target for the Red Dragons.
Okonkwo, 22, spent last season on loan from Arsenal at the Racecourse.
He was able to impress during his time in North Wales and became Parkinson’s number-one goalkeeper ahead of the veteran Mark Howard, who recently signed a contract extension.
The young English goalkeeper has recently become a free-agent after being released by Arsenal.
Wrexham fans are eager to welcome back Okonkwo with open arms after he proved he could claim the number-one spot for many years to come.
Okonkwo could show a strong platform for success by investing in younger players like Cleworth and James, who have both been introduced from the academy set-up.
Since the takeover, there has been a focus on bringing experienced players into the squad.
If the Red Dragons’ Hollywood owners can help fund transfers to bring in youthful prospects alongside the experience, Parkinson’s squad will look healthier for the present and the future.