Phil Parkinson must secure the signature of an ‘outstanding’ player following Arthur Okonkwo’s move to Wrexham.
Wrexham set out their stall for the summer transfer after capturing Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds showed their power in the market as the 22-year-old was wanted by multiple Championship clubs but it was the Hollywood owners who won the race for his signature.
Okonkwo could turn out to be a very important signing for the club. He’s still very young for a goalkeeper, he was exceptional on loan from Arsenal last term and his potential is limitless.
Phil Parkinson now has his goalkeeper position set with Okonkwo starting alongside Mark Howard and Luke McNicholas as his backup options.
Where does Phil Parkinson need to strengthen next?
Parkinson is currently on the lookout for players to become a part of this exciting project as Wrexham aim to make history in League One by sealing a third consecutive promotion.
Following the arrival of Okonkwo, it is clear the Reds now need to strengthen in defence after releasing three centre-backs, including Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Hayden.
Wrexham currently have strong options to pick from as they enter League One, with academy graduate Max Cleworth joining Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor to form a solid back three.
Outside of that, Will Boyle will likely be used as a backup while George Evans can slot into defence if needed.
For Parkinson’s men to compete for promotion, he needs one or two more options to select from that back, which explains why he tried to sign Jason Kerr from Wigan Athletic.
He isn’t the only name linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground as Wrexham should act on their interest to sign Marvin Ekpiteta.
Why Wrexham should seal Marvin Ekpiteta transfer
Wrexham were first linked to Marvin Ekpiteta in May after it was announced he’d be leaving Blackpool at the end of his contract.
Currently a free-agent, Ekpiteta is on the lookout for his next challenge and a move to North Wales could be a mouth-watering prospect for the 28-year-old.
Dubbed an ‘outstanding’ defender by Blackpool boss Neil Critchley, Ekpiteta has proven himself at League One and Championship level, accumulating 124 appearances across both divisions.
A towering presence physically, both in the air and on the ground, the Englishman was colossal for the Seasiders last term. As per Sofascore, he averaged 3.7 balls recovered per game, 4.3 clearances, 1.2 tackles and kept an impressive 13 clean sheets.
Parkinson will want an experienced defender to arrive at the club and slot into the backline when needed. Ekpiteta is tailor-made for that central role in a back three and could provide strong competition for current Wrexham star O’Connell.
An unsung hero of the Reds promotion campaign, O’Connell made 30 appearances in League Two and has previous experience of playing in the third tier, featuring 120 times across spells at Rochdale, Bury, Charlton and Walsall.
The Irishman has made himself undroppable in the heart of defence, although Ekpiteta providing competition could elevate his game to new heights in League One.