Wrexham are seemingly nearing their first signing of the summer, and it could yet be a Welsh legend in Danny Ward.
Danny Ward, now 31 years old, was born in Wrexham, and started his career with the Dragons too. He’s enjoyed a solid career too having spent six years at Liverpool and then seven with Leicester City, earning 44 caps for Wales in the process.
But he’s just been released by the Foxes following their relegation from the top flight. And now, Wrexham are in talks to sign Ward and so he could yet go up against his former club in the second tier next season.
Ward is one of a number of names to have been added to Phil Parkinson’s transfer wishlist in recent weeks, with Wrexham eyeing a move for Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans who’ve just been released by Man United.
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Three Wrexham winners from a possible Danny Ward deal
Arthur Okonkwo
Parkinson’s no.1 last season was Arthur Okonkwo. And next season it looks like Okonkwo will retain his spot in goal with Okonkwo viewed as a real asset at Wrexham behind the scenes.
Whilst Ward coming in would pile some competition onto Okonkwo for the starting spot, it would be healthy competition. It’d also see Okonkwo have a really experienced, tried and tested mentor to help him develop even further at the Racecourse.
Phil Parkinson
Of course, Parkinson would be a winner from a potential deal for Ward. It’s already been reported this summer that Parkinson wants to sign Championship-experienced players at Wrexham and Ward is just that: albeit with only 43 actual Championship appearances to his name, but plenty of years in the game.
And the club’s goalkeeping options are low right now. Mark Howard has left Wrexham along with Liam Hall and Bradley Foster, so Ward arriving would add vital depth to a likewise department in Parkinson’s squad.
The Wrexham fans
As one of the few Welsh representatives in the English Football League, having more Welsh players in the ranks would leave a feel-good mood among Wrexham fans, and having some hometown players like Ward in the ranks would do the same.
Another Wrexham-born player who Parkinson wants to sign this summer is Tom Lawrence. Earlier this summer, Rangers released Lawrence amid links to Wrexham, so he could be one of two Wrexham-born names who arrive at the Racecourse this summer.
Only one loser from a possible Danny Ward to Wrexham deal
Luke McNicholas
25-year-old goalkeeper Luke McNicholas is yet to make his league debut for Wrexham, following his 2024 move to the club. The Irishman has become a forgotten man at the Racecourse and Ward arriving will only serve to keep McNicholas out of contention.
And with three goalkeepers having already left, Parkinson might be hesitant to send McNicholas out on loan this season, instead preferring to keep him as the third-choice for the 2025/26 Championship season.