Wrexham supporters have strapped themselves in for an exciting summer of transfer business as Phil Parkinson looks to build his dream squad.
It’s been a dream few years for Wrexham fans; a record-breaking title-winning campaign was followed by a swift exit from League Two, finishing second behind Stockport County last term.
The Reds are now approaching their most difficult challenge yet as they aim for an unprecedented third promotion in a row.
To stand any chance of battling against the division’s powerhouses, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have supplied Phil Parkinson with a healthy budget to splash on new players.
Wrexham signed six recruits last summer and a similar total, or more, will be required for them to make a fast start to life in League One.
Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham transfer targets
A goalkeeper is where Parkinson is looking to kick off his transfer business with the signing of Arthur Okonkwo.
Now available on a free transfer following his release from Arsenal, the 22-year-old is Wrexham’s biggest priority and McElhenney is confident of securing his signature permanently.
Parkinson’s early intentions in this window also suggest he’s looking for a centre-back after his attempts to sign Wigan Athletic’s Jason Kerr were thwarted, with the 27-year-old signing an improved contract.
Kerr isn’t the only Wigan player on his radar. Tom Pearce – who was released by the Latics last month – is an ideal left-back to challenge Jacob Mendy.
As for their midfield, a quartet of George Evans, Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee and James McClean is League One quality, although Wrexham are looking to add to that, resulting in links to Portsmouth’s Joe Morrell and Brighton’s Marc Leonard.
Despite awarding Steven Fletcher a new contract, the Reds still want a new partner for Paul Mullin to give the squad added firepower in the final third.
Wrexham’s dream starting XI after transfers
A dream world would see Okonkwo take his place between the sticks at Wrexham and fending off Championship clubs for his signature would be “amazing”.
Parkinson lined up with a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor towards the end of the campaign and unless any other interest emerges, that could be the trio that starts in League One.
Ryan Barnett just edges it over Luke Bolton for a place on the right while summer target Pearce replaces Mendy on the left.
Mendy had a great first season in the football league last term however, he’s scheduled to return from his injury a couple of weeks into the campaign.
The midfield for Parkinson is the toughest selection he’ll have to make, as he’ll be leaving one of McClean, Evans, Cannon or Lee out of the starting XI.
And that is before any signings arrive, with Wrexham showing an interest in Brighton’s Marc Leonard – who is valued at £400,000 – and Pompey’s Joe Morrell.
Parkinson’s dream midfield is likely Evans, Cannon and Lee, although dropping McClean is a difficult decision while the additions of Leonard or Morrell would heighten that selection headache.
As for his striker, Mullin needs no introduction, it’s just who starts alongside him. The Reds have been linked to “electric” Loughgall striker Benji Magee, who scored 17 goals in Northern Ireland’s Premier Division.
The highly-rated 22-year-old could form a deadly partnership with Mullin at the tip of the Wrexham attack in League One.