Strikers seem to be at the front of Wrexham’s summer transfer agenda, and there’s one who could be perfect for Phil Parkinson.
Phil Parkinson has big plans for Wrexham this summer. But the Dragons boss isn’t going to divert too far from, if at all, the transfer strategy that’s landed his side’s three-straight promotions.
Parkinson has said Wrexham won’t sign any superstars this summer. Nor any egos. Instead he’ll look to maintain the positive dressing room at the Racecourse and so expect him to be very picky with who he brings in this summer.
And we’re now seeing some quality names linked with moves to the club. It’s reported that Wrexham want to sign Callum Robinson from Cardiff City, along with Ryan Hardie at Plymouth Argyle.
Indeed, Parkinson wants to sign experienced forwards at Wrexham ahead of next season with the likes of Steven Fletcher out of contract and looking likely to leave, whilst Jay Rodriguez failed to impress following his January move from Burnley.
Preston striker Emil Riis looks set to leave when his contract expires
One thing Parkinson needs from his summer signings is Championship pedigree. And one striker with exactly that is Emil Riis. The Dane looks set to leave Preston this summer when his contract expires and there’ll no doubt he plenty of clubs looking to sign the 26-year-old, who scored 12 in 45 Championship games for the Lilywhites in 2024/25.
In 172 Championship games for Preston, Riis scored an impressive 41 and assisted 11 along the way too. Over the last few seasons he’s had links to some top Championship clubs as well including Middlesbrough, and more recently Sunderland.
His Championship quality make him the type of player Parkinson needs to be looking at this summer. And Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom has already described him as a ‘good guy’, so that ticks that particular box for Wrexham and Parkinson as well.
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Three reasons why Emil Riis is a perfect signing for Wrexham
He’s at a great age
Wrexham certainly like to sign an older player. It’s served them well so far but there arguably needs to be a little more thinking towards the future and Riis at 26 years old would be someone who Wrexham could bring in, and benefit from for several years to come. Not just the next year or two.
Emil Riis is a battering ram
Parkinson’s style of play at Wrexham can be very physical. Moving up to the Championship could make that style even more so, too, so signing someone like Riis who stands at more than 6ft 2ins could be ideal.
Wrexham will need to play on the front foot next season in a bid to stop teams from building up play from the back. Riis could be ideal in doing that.
He’d cost absolutely nothing
Wrexham under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have spent their share of money. Just last January Wrexham broke their club transfer record after signing Sam Smith in a £2million deal.
Expect that record to be smashed again this summer. But money is always finite. Wrexham need to be savvy as well and Riis on a free would be very shrewd business.