Wrexham’s squad evolution for the Championship is already underway.
Steven Fletcher announced his Wrexham departure alongside Mark Howard and Jordan Davies as players begin to depart the Racecourse Ground.
Phil Parkinson must whittle his Wrexham squad down to 25 for the Championship campaign and faces some tough decisions on both incomings and outgoings.
Wrexham have offered a contract to Tom Cairney amid his imminent departure from Fulham, whilst Lewis O’Brien is also on Parkinson’s radar. With two Premier League midfielders linked, Wrexham Insider looks at who would be the best fit for the Red Dragons.
Wrexham’s decision on Tom Cairney and Lewis O’Brien
Central midfield is a position that Wrexham will strengthen this summer in order to possess a little more creativity and control from the middle of the park.
The likes of Matty James and Ollie Rathbone were exceptional in the League One promotion campaign however, they will need some help in the second tier.
| Key statistics this season | Cairney | O’Brien |
| Age | 33 | 25 |
| Pass completion | 91% | 74.3% |
| Progressive passes completed (per 90) | 8.23 | 3.67 |
| Tackles won | 5 | 23 |
| Defensive recoveries | 46 | 79 |
| Aerial duels won | 38.5% | 37.7% |
Cairney’s statistics are similar to Jude Bellingham in some aspects of his play and would represent the more creative option of the two midfielders.
However, O’Brien has experience in the Championship with Swansea this season and showed his defensive worth with an impressive number of ball recoveries and tackles won.
Wrexham should target Tom Cairney over Lewis O’Brien
Both Cairney and O’Brien represent the calibre of player that the Red Dragons need to be attracting to North Wales.
However, O’Brien is a similar player to what Wrexham already have in the squad through the likes of James and George Dobson – players that can break up play and then use the ball sensibly.
What Parkinson really requires for next season is a player that can control a game in the middle of the park and dictate from a deeper position – something Cairney has proven to be adept in.
The Scottish international would be a statement signing for Wrexham despite Humphrey Ker’s claims that luring Cairney will be difficult.