There’s one clear position at Wrexham that requires investment for the future and this summer would be the perfect time to strike.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have made a prolific start to the 2024 summer transfer window at Wrexham.
From signing a long-term number-one in fan favourite Arthur Okonkwo to capturing highly-rated Leicester City defender Lewis Brunt and former Charlton Athletic captain George Dobson, the Reds are building a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
Phil Parkinson has captured players fast in recent weeks and could sign another ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Hanley Town, though there is a clear position of contract that he must resolve, and fast.
Wrexham need a new striker to partner Paul Mullin
Whilst the goal machine Paul Mullin is currently sidelined and will miss the opening couple of matches next term, Wrexham do need a long-term partner for the Liverpudlian.
As of today, the Reds have seven strikers on their books but alarmingly, five see their contracts expire in 2025, including Steven Fletcher, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Billy Waters and Sam Dalby.
Wrexham won’t hesitate to offload Waters and Dalby this summer, while the only reason Parkinson will release Palmer and Fletcher next year is due to their age and declining ability.
The striking duo are aged 32 and 37 respectively, so they are approaching a time when the thought of retirement has entered their minds.
That leaves Parkinson with just Marriott of those whose contracts expire in 2025, and his future will depend on how he fares in League One after an underwhelming start to life in Wales.
The profile of striker Wrexham need to sign
The only two current strikers at Wrexham whose contracts don’t expire in 2025 are Mullin and academy graduate Jake Bickerstaff.
Whilst Bickerstaff sees his contract expire at the club in 2026, Mullin was given a new deal on New Year’s Day, keeping him at Racecourse Ground till 2027.
Regardless of that, Parkinson does need to invest in that position once he offloads the likes of Bickerstaff, Waters and Dalby this summer.
It’s vitally important he finds a long-term replacement for the likes of Fletcher and Palmer since they could be leaving the club this summer and the type of forward he should be looking for is clear.
He needs someone more athletic, pacey and young, who can develop into the finished article under his guidance.
Wrexham have shown an appetite this summer to sign youngsters in Okonkwo and Brunt. They need to follow a similar blueprint when looking for a new striker.