Wrexham’s new signing, Lewis O’Brien, has spoken fondly about the MLS and the American game, and there is no doubt that the US fanbase will take a shine to the new star.
Phil Parkinson has bolstered his midfield options with the signing of Lewis O’Brien, with the former Nottingham Forest star set to add vast experience to the centre of the park.
Wrexham are on the way to completely transforming their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac showing clear ambition.
Aside from the deal to bring in O’Brien, Wrexham have also signed Josh Windass in the last few days, Sheffield Wednesday’s top scorer in the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Many will focus on O’Brien’s experience in both the Premier League and Championship, but he has also notched time in the MLS, which he has spoken so fondly of.
What Lewis O’Brien has said about the MLS will please American Wrexham fans
In the UK, the MLS admittedly does receive criticism and a negative reception, whether it is for the difference in league format or the stereotype of it being a retirement league for footballers past their prime.
Ultimately, Lewis O’Brien was able to get his career back on track after a spell in the MLS, playing for both DC United and LAFC.
Speaking back in 2024 about the MLS, via The Mirror, O’Brien said: “When you look at the league now, there is players coming over.
“Miami seem to be becoming a little Barcelona 2.0 with some of the players that have signed.
“[Marco] Reus has just signed for Galaxy and they’ve got Riqui Puig. There’s really, really good players in the league and most of them are in and around the position I play so I definitely get to test myself against the players you would maybe two or three years ago say they’re the best in the world.”
Considering the flak that the MLS gets in the UK, it is fair to say that O’Brien’s attitude towards the league will get him in the good books of Americans of the Wrexham persuasion.
Lewis O’Brien’s MLS experience will help Wrexham
Like his time in the Premier League, Lewis O’Brien has not played too much in the MLS, although his experiences have certainly proven to be very valuable for his career.
O’Brien was a regular for LAFC in the first half of the 2024/25 season before he decided to return to the Championship.
The Wrexham midfielder played alongside some top names in the MLS, notably running out for an LAFC side that consisted of Hugo Lloris, Carlos Vela and Olivier Giroud.
Such experience will surely be regarded as invaluable by Phil Parkinson as he prepares for the upcoming season.