Wrexham’s talented squad boasts a few gems that could interest several clubs this summer.
Wrexham have achieved back-to-back promotions with a squad that is far too good for the National League and the fourth tier.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have recruited players who will hold their own higher up the divisions, with Phil Parkinson now boasting a side that is largely made up of League One players.
Due to their rising stature and the number of quality individuals they own, don’t rule out interest in some of their stars this summer.
In our view, here are the three most likely to attract interest…
Tom O’Connor
Tom O’Connor is a vital cog in Parkinson’s promotion-winning machine.
The 25-year-old is adept at playing as a number eight in midfield or on the left side of a back three.
Parkinson prefers to use the talented Irishman in defence and towards the back end of the season, the Southampton academy graduate flourished alongside Max Cleworth and Eoghan O’Connell.
That partnership will likely be untouched as Wrexham head into League One but interest in O’Connor shouldn’t be ruled out in the slightest.
The Mirror reported last year that Championship side Coventry City wanted the ‘classy’ operator after watching Wrexham win promotion to League Two.
Although the Sky Blues never lodged a bid for O’Connor, he has since improved even more in the fourth tier, averaging 5.3 balls recovered and 1.6 tackles per game. Don’t be surprised if Parkinson’s defensive lynchpin attracts further interest this summer.
Elliot Lee
Elliot Lee has been a mainstay in Parkinson’s midfield since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
Lee played in all but one of their matches as Wrexham clinched the National League title in 2022/23 before improving on his tally of 12 goals by scoring 16 in League Two, helping the Reds to a second consecutive promotion.
Now back in the third tier, the 29-year-old is chomping at the bit to get going after a fantastic campaign, which saw him listed in the division’s Team of the Season.
A goalscoring midfielder is a rare commodity in the modern game, making Lee a sought-after player heading into the transfer window.
Recently relegated Birmingham City reportedly wanted the West Ham academy graduate in November 2023, but whilst no bid was tabled, expect more clubs to test the waters this summer.
Max Cleworth
The last player on this list is highly-rated centre-back Max Cleworth.
A box-to-box midfielder growing up but now an exceptional ball-playing defender, Cleworth shot to first-team stardom during the 2023/24 season.
The 21-year-old didn’t play his first ninety minutes till a victory over Newport County in December, with Parkinson preferring veteran Ben Tozer and summer arrival Will Boyle over him.
However, once he earned his place in the starting XI, it was impossible to wrestle the jersey from him and the youngster excelled on the right side of a back three.
He showcased his ability to spray passes out from defence and handle himself physically against some of the division’s best attackers.
Wrexham hero Andy Morrell was left impressed by Cleworth’s rapid rise, claiming he has a “big future” in the game while former manager Bryan Hughes lauded him as a “super” talent.
That praise and Cleworth’s performances point towards him having an outstanding career at a high level, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see clubs approach him this summer, especially with his contract expiring in 2025.