Wrexham were dealt a huge blow as star striker Paul Mullin picked up a long-term injury in their pre-season victory over Manchester United.
Mullin, who scored an astonishing 46 goals last season, ruptured his lung after a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, and is set to be sidelined for an extended period.
Losing such an important player, even just for a few months, could jeopardise Wrexham’s ambitions for the season, and they could enter the free-agent market to find a short-term solution.
Following the foundations Wrexham have laid with previous deals which saw higher-profile players drop down the divisions to join Wrexham in the National League, we’ve picked out three unattached strikers the Red Dragons could consider ambitious moves for to help cover for Mullin whilst he is out.
Benik Afobe
The 30-year-old is currently a free agent, having spent last season at Millwall and UAE-based Hatta Club. Afobe is at a crossroads in his career and could be tempted to drop down the divisions to find his form again.
The Englishman has plenty of experience in the lower divisions and could help replace Mullin’s excellent output if he can rediscover his best ability.
Connor Wickham
The former Sunderland and Crystal Palace striker was last seen at Cardiff, having also spent the first half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers in League One.
The 30-year-old is unattached and could be the ideal candidate to replace Mullin. Dropping down to League Two may help him build up his form, and the Wrexham project could be appealing to him.
The physical striker could even play alongside Mullin when he returns, which has the potential to be one of the deadliest attacking partnerships in League Two.
Macauley Bonne
The Zimbabwe international has been released by Charlton, having scored two goals in 16 League One appearances last season.
It appears that the 27-year-old may have to drop down to League Two to find himself a new club, and he could be worth a punt for Phil Parkinson.
Bonne has plenty of experience in the lower leagues with the likes of Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Leyton Orient, and was an excellent goalscorer at National League level, with 46 goals in 105 appearances.
The centre-forward could be a realistic option to temporarily replace Mullin, and he may be keen to join the Wrexham project after a difficult few seasons.