It’s common knowledge at this point that Wrexham will very likely sign a striker in the 2025 winter transfer window.
Barring Jack Marriott, who will likely be out until February, none of Wrexham’s centre-forwards have scored more than three goals in the league this season.
In turn, it’s not too surprising to see several number nines being tipped to make a move to the Racecourse Ground in January.
Wrexham were linked with Patrick Bamford last week but a move for the Leeds United man could prove difficult to complete due to the fees associated with such a move.
Joe Gelhardt is an option for the Red Dragons, with the forward, like Bamford, struggling for game time at Elland Road.
Elsewhere, Wrexham are looking at Harry Cornick of Bristol City as they eye number nines with experience at a higher level.
But while another striker arriving does make sense and should happen, Phil Parkinson must have another transfer priority in January.
Wrexham must sign competition for Elliot Lee
Wrexham are, ahead of Sunday’s League One meeting with Wigan Athletic, the lowest scorers in the top six.
Part of the reason for this is they are not creating enough chances through the middle of the park.
Granted, James McClean and Ryan Barnett take up a lot of slack in this department, but having more players who can open the game up from midfield would be a major boost for Wrexham and their promotion push.
Right now, Elliot Lee is the only Red Dragons midfielder really capable of doing that on a regular basis, as highlighted by these stats courtesy of Opta.
| Player | Chances created | XA |
| Ryan Barnett | 41 | 4.76 |
| James McClean | 21 | 2.78 |
| Elliot Lee | 18 | 1.83 |
| George Dobson | 13 | 0.91 |
| Ollie Rathbone | 7 | 0.43 |
| Andy Cannon | 10 | 0.93 |
| Matty James | 4 | 0.56 |
It’s clear Lee is the most attack-minded of Wrexham’s midfield options right now but another number-10 style player should be looked at in January to provide cover for the 30-year-old when he’s not fit or maybe having an off game.
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Middlesbrough ace would be the perfect rival for Elliot Lee
While not linked, one player who could be a great option to rival Elliot Lee is Middlesbrough’s Alex Gilbert.
There was talk the midfielder would be allowed to leave Boro on loan in the summer but Michael Carrick opted against sanctioning an exit, as per the Northern Echo.
However, Gilbert has played just 34 minutes of Championship football in 2024/25, perhaps suggesting the Teessiders could revisit the option of a temporary switch in January.
Gilbert’s league playing time may have been limited but he was superb in two Carabao Cup appearances for Middlesbrough this season and clearly has the ability to rival Lee in the second half of the season.
A loan move would also offer Wrexham a short-term solution before they can then address the issue properly over the summer when more players should be available.