Wrexham’s approach in the transfer window has changed drastically compared to last year as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds strive for sustainability.
Wrexham have completed two new signings following promotion from League Two; goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has arrived on a free transfer while centre-back Lewis Brunt joins from Premier League outfit Leicester City.
Okonkwo is very familiar with his surroundings after producing incredible performances for the Reds last term whilst Brunt spent last season on loan at League Two side Mansfield Town.
Phil Parkinson has strengthened his goalkeeping and defensive ranks with two talented players, in what is a clear shift in their transfer strategy.
How Wrexham’s transfer strategy has shown signs of change
In the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era, Wrexham have predominantly signed older and experienced players to fast-track their way up the divisions.
Very rarely have the Hollywood duo shown an appetite to build for the future by signing younger players, predominantly aged 23 and under.
It’s a philosophy that has worked for the club during their promotion-winning campaigns and was epitomised by the arrivals of former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher, both aged 35 and 37.
That duo were rewarded with new short-term deals after helping Wrexham win promotion to League One, though their recent transfer activity shows a clear shift towards signing young players with big potential.
Okonkwo, a graduate of Arsenal’s academy, is still only 22, while Brunt, a product of Aston Villa’s youth setup, is aged 23.
It shows that instead of looking at the present, Wrexham are now shopping for players with the future in mind and that is refreshing to see.
Wrexham’s most valuable assets
In terms of their worth to Wrexham as a complete package, Paul Mullin is arguably the Reds’ most valuable player, although the younger stars are likely to land the Reds a sizeable fee in the future.
Max Cleworth, who is tipped to have a big future by Andy Morrell, is a ball-playing defender with limitless potential and a value that can skyrocket in years to come.
In signing Okonkwo, Wrexham have sorted out their goalkeeper position for many years – as long as he doesn’t leave – with the talented shot-stopper destined to play Premier League football eventually.
A similar tale can be told about new arrival, Lewis Brunt, whose development into a fine defender saw him flourish in League Two and the Englishman will now get a chance to show his worth in the third tier.
The signings of Okonkwo and Brunt, in particular, paint the picture of a bright future at the Racecourse Ground, as they’re now building a roster of talents they can potentially sell on for seven-figure sums.
Poaching youngsters is the right way to go about their transfer business, blending it with a core of experienced players to create the perfect recipe.