Wrexham are desperate to bolster midfield options this summer ahead of their Championship challenge.
Wrexham are preparing a bid for Lewis O’Brien and are set to rival Hull City in making a club-record £5m offer for the 26-year-old.
Hull have given Wrexham a transfer boost by turning their attentions elsewhere, giving the Red Dragons a chance to convince O’Brien to move to the Racecourse Ground.
Shaun Harvey predicted free transfers would be on the agenda for Phil Parkinson this summer and the manager has a chance to replicate a smart piece of business from last season.
READ MORE: Championship boss makes Wrexham and Birmingham City spending prediction amid ‘deep pockets’
Wrexham can repeat Matty James signing by securing Abdoulaye Doucoure on a free transfer
Wrexham beat Leeds to the signing of Matty James back in October 2024 and the former Premier League title winner went on to become a pivotal part of the League One promotion campaign.
James was signed on a free transfer following his release from Bristol City and whilst Wrexham have a reported budget of £25m this summer, some of their finest business has come from free agents.
Parkinson has the chance to replicate a similar signing once again, in the priority position of central midfield.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has bags of Premier League experience and is available on a free transfer following his exit from Everton.
Speaking on the ‘Rest is Football’ podcast, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards praised Doucoure for his impact on the Everton side last season and highlighted attributes that Parkinson would love to have at the heart of his midfield.
When discussing Doucoure’s ability to drive from deep, Lineker stated: “He is actually, the core is, got a real energy and enthusiasm and he does get vital goals.”
Whilst Richards then replied with: “You know what it is? He’s not a clinical finisher. I wouldn’t say he’s even a clean finisher when it gets in there, but what he does have is endeavour, the timing of his run.
“He gets in all the time and it’s very hard to mark because he could be making a tackle on his own box and then making a 40 yard dash the other way and he keeps going.
“I think the best part of his game is his engine. Yes, he’s good enough for the ball and he’s not a bad passer, but that’s his main strength, getting into the box, making them late runs.”
Wrexham would have to make Abdoulaye Doucoure their top earner
Doucoure is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia but the 32-year-old midfielder was keen to stay in England at the end of his contract at Goodison Park.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether he would consider dropping into the Championship, Wrexham could tempt the Mali international with a suitable contract offer.
| Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Premier League record | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Doucoure | 278 | 36 | 25 |
According to Capology, Doucoure was earning £130k a-week at the Toffees and whilst he would obviously have to take a pay cut at the Red Dragons, Wrexham are not afraid to offer big contracts.
Tom Cairney was offered a lucrative deal to join the Wrexham project and for a player of Doucoure’s pedigree, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could make a huge statement of intent with an offer to the 32-year-old powerhouse.