Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will be looking to reinforce his defensive options this summer.
After securing promotion from League Two last season, the Red Dragons are preparing for their first campaign in League One in almost 20 years.
Parkinson will be looking to Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to help him bolster his squad to build on the momentum of back-to-back promotions.
The owners have always insisted they will help support the coach with transfers and give the Red Dragons the best chance to compete every season.
At the end of the last campaign, several experienced players were let go after their contracts expired.
Strong leaders in the dressing room like Luke Young, Aaron Hayden, and Ben Tozer have all been moved on.
The expectation is that will ultimately lead to new investment being made in the squad for players who have experience of playing at a higher level.
With the departures of Tozer and Hayden, reinforcements in defence will be of high importance to Parkinson.
Wrexham should look to sign James McClean’s former international teammate
Since the takeover, Wrexham has been strong in transfer windows with their ability to attract big-name players to a lower division.
The Wrexham project convinced players such as Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, and Elliot Lee to drop divisions to play at the Racecourse.
The North Wales club raised eyebrows with the impressive signings of former Premier League players James McClean and Steven Fletcher.
Both were convinced that Wrexham was an exciting club and they wanted to play in helping the club progress on its journey.
Wrexham needs defensive reinforcements this summer and there is a great opportunity that Parkinson should look at.
McClean’s former Republic of Ireland teammate Cyrus Christie would be a solid option for the Red Dragons to add to their defensive ranks.
It is important for the club as they progress to increase the experience of playing at a higher level.
Similarly to McClean, Christie has played for a variety of Championship clubs and has 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
He most recently played for Championship side Hull City last season, but the 31-year-old’s contract expires this summer and is therefore available as a free transfer.
Wrexham has already taken advantage of the free agent market this summer with former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo returning to North Wales after impressing on loan last campaign.
Cyrus Christie is a very good fit for Wrexham
The ‘vastly experienced’ Irish defender would bring a wealth of EFL experience as well as his quality.
He has mainly played as a right-back during his career. He had previously received praise from former Republic Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.
O’Neill, 72, worked with Christie on the International stage and was impressed with the defender’s attitude and form when challenged to replace Seamus Coleman in the lineup.
Speaking to Eirsport, O’Neill said: “Cyrus Christie has done fantastically well, considering he is trying to replace an iconic figure in Seamus Coleman.”
Despite being a right-back for the majority of his career, Christie is Six foot two, possessing great aerial ability and strength.
With this in mind, Christie would be able to play as a wing-back and be comfortable playing as one of the wide options in a back three. The versatility and wealth of experience he would bring to Wrexham is clear.
If Parkinson decides to return to the free-agent market this summer, then he should take a look at Christie as an option.