Wrexham can unearth many bargains in the transfer window but none more so in midfield as Phil Parkinson scours the leagues for talent.
It’s hard for Wrexham supporters to contain their excitement ahead of their first League One campaign in almost two decades.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are tasked with fuelling that excitement even further by landing some unbelievable players in the transfer window.
A football finance expert believes the Hollywood owners have handed Phil Parkinson a healthy budget to spend, but surprisingly, there are several bargains to be had on a free transfer.
Phil Parkinson’s transfer priorities at Wrexham
The process of signing players may be taking longer as Wrexham need to sell some of theirs before they can buy.
Parkinson currently has a squad of 21 senior players – the maximum for registration in the EFL is 22 – so there is plenty of work to be done.
Wrexham have multiple positions that need plugging with quality. A new goalkeeper is the most important as their pursuit of Arthur Okonkwo continues while a new central defender, left-back, midfielder and striker is also on the agenda.
Of the above positions listed, signing a new midfielder is perhaps the least important, although the Reds have been linked with a £400,000 move for Brighton’s Marc Leonard.
Parkinson could save McElhenney and Reynolds thousands, though, by capturing a “fantastic” player for free.
Wrexham should sign Corry Evans to rival George Evans
Following the departure of captain Luke Young, Wrexham are lacking natural defensive midfielders.
George Evans is currently the number one option while defender Tom O’Connor can slot in there if needed, though ahead of a physically taxing League One campaign, Parkinson needs some added strength centrally.
Corry Evans – recently released by Championship side Sunderland – could be an option worth exploring.
The 33-year-old, like many in the Wrexham squad, would add an abundance of experience having starred across multiple clubs in the EFL.
Evans has made 294 appearances in the Championship during stints at Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and the Black Cats but could be now ready to drop down a division.
Although the 66-cap Northern Ireland international has suffered multiple injury lay-offs, signing him could be worth the gamble as he’d bring an abundance of technical and physical attributes.
In the 2022/23 Championship campaign, he averaged an 81% pass completion, recorded two tackles per game, 1.3 interceptions and completed 71% of his dribbles.
To add that level of quality to Wrexham’s squad for nothing would be a steal and he’d give Parkinson a solid option to either player second fiddle to George Evans, or battle for a spot in the starting XI.
Evans was a key player for the Reds last term, acting as a screen in front of the defence but the 29-year-old could also benefit from a rest and the addition of the former Hull man would allow that.
Parkinson will be looking at ways to add to his squad without dipping into his war chest of funds and the Northern Ireland star ticks that box, and some.