Phil Parkinson will be looking to sign a left wing-back to challenge Jacob Mendy and one of Wrexham’s current targets would be a big upgrade.
Wrexham have made a slow start to the summer transfer window with just one signing through the door, albeit it is a big one.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds successfully lured Arthur Okonkwo back to the Racecourse Ground on a three-year deal following his incredible loan spell last term.
The 22-year-old will reclaim his number one spot in Phil Parkinson’s starting XI, with Wrexham now looking to focus their efforts elsewhere.
Recently, the Welsh side have been linked to Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw, who Parkinson wanted six years ago, and also a wing-back to challenge or replace Jacob Mendy.
Wrexham want Hull City’s Ryan Longman
The Mirror have reported that Wrexham are interested in signing Hull City’s Ryan Longman, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Millwall.
Longman is entering the final year of his contract at the MKM Stadium but is surplus to requirements, and Hull will be looking to cash in on the 23-year-old.
Wrexham are joined in the race for his signature with Millwall – who want to sign him back permanently – and League One rivals Birmingham City.
Hull initially signed Longman on loan from the Seagulls in the summer of 2021, and made the move permanent in January 2022 after he impressed under Grant McCann.
Arriving as a winger/striker, the Englishman transitioned into a wing-back role under McCann and scored some vital goals, including the winner against promotion contenders Bournemouth and a peach of a strike against Everton in the FA Cup.
Longman was utilised predominantly as a winger at Millwall last term however, a move to Wrexham could see him return to a left wing-back role.
Why Ryan Longman is an upgrade on Jacob Mendy
Longman’s versatility would make him a key player under Parkinson but at Wrexham, operating in a wing-back role would suit him down to the ground.
Mendy is Parkinson’s current first-choice option in that position as James McClean will be used as a midfielder next term.
The Gambian did enjoy a productive first campaign in the football league, producing two goals and five assists in 31 appearances from left-back.
Sadly, it has been questioned as to whether he can step up to League One, which is why Parkinson wants to sign a new wing-back, purely to provide competition and depth.
Longman – who scored three and assisted as many for Millwall last term – would be an upgrade down the left flank.
Dubbed ‘special’ by journalist Josh Bunting for his wonderful goal against Leicester City last term, the fleet-footed winger would add extra quality down the left.
Although he’s right-footed, Longman can travel down the flank and cross with his left or whip a ball in on his right, making him very unpredictable.
Unlike Mendy, who has never played in the third tier, Longman has racked up a combined 151 appearances in the Championship and League One.
Still only 23, the Englishman has a lot of room to develop and mature into an even better player. Therefore, persuading him to drop back down to the third tier would be an unbelievable achievement.