Wrexham have confirmed the signing of Nathan Broadhead for a hefty eight-figure fee, and his arrival is set to hand Phil Parkinson one selection dilemma.
Following promotion from League One to the Championship, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac were always going to throw the money at Phil Parkinson to spend on a brand-new set of Championship proven players, and he has done just that.
Wrexham have signed Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town, who is the ninth arrival at the club this summer.
Red Dragons boss Parkinson has prioritised Championship experience with his recruits, but the deal for Broadhead stretches far beyond that. The Welshman has been a regular for his country, whilst also having just played a season of Premier League football with Ipswich Town.
Wrexham have splashed out £10m for Broadhead, which has smashed the previous record transfer fee spent, which was £5m for Lewis O’Brien.
Following the signing of Broadhead, it is clear that Parkinson will look to slot him in, but it could come at the cost of fellow new arrival Ryan Hardie.
How Wrexham could line up following Nathan Broadhead’s arrival
Wrexham were close to full strength in their Championship opener against Southampton, and it is expected that Phil Parkinson will deploy a similar-looking style this season, with the help of Nathan Broadhead, of course.
In between the sticks, Danny Ward will likely continue after his brilliant performance against Southampton, whilst an unchanged defence of Conor Coady, Max Cleworth and Lewis Brunt can also be expected.
Out wide, Liberato Cacace and Ryan Barnett will likely be deployed, with Lewis O’Brien, Matty James and George Dobson in the centre.
Josh Windass will no doubt be kept in the starting side after his brilliant debut for the Red Dragons, but questions begin to arise as to who will take over from Kieffer Moore following his injury.
Nathan Broadhead should be match-fit, so his inclusion is more likely, but that begs the question on what will happen to new Wrexham signing Ryan Hardie.
Ryan Hardie’s place in the pecking order is now clear
Wrexham have been unlucky with the untimely injury dealt to Kieffer Moore, especially during what was an exciting debut produced by the Welshman.
Thankfully, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have the financial ability to back Phil Parkinson and plug the gap at striker, but it shows the true feelings towards Ryan Hardie.
The Red Dragons drastically rushed into confirming a deal for Broadhead, showing that Parkinson would not have been happy with starting Hardie alongside Josh Windass for the upcoming Championship tie against West Brom.
After starting in the EFL Cup tie against Hull City, it can be expected that Hardie will be benched once again in the Championship and to be used from the bench.