Phil Parkinson can sign a ‘silky’ EFL talent to rival midfielder Andy Cannon at Wrexham this summer.
The transfer window doesn’t open until June 14th but many clubs – including Wrexham – are weighing up their options in the market.
Multiple areas of Phil Parkinson’s squad need improving, with a new first-choice goalkeeper, left back and striker all on the agenda.
Wrexham can go down the avenue of acquiring players on a free transfer. With clubs announcing their retained/released lists, there are bargains worth exploring to bolster their first-team squad.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are eyeing up a third promotion on the spin next season, and one player who can help them achieve that has just been released by Sheffield Wednesday.
Wrexham should sign George Byers on a free
Wednesday announced they would not be extending the contract of midfielder George Byers beyond this summer, with the 27-year-old now free to join another club.
Many in League One are looking to snap Byers up, including recently relegated Birmingham City, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Blackpool.
With only George Evans, Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee, James Jones and Jordan Davies to choose from in midfield, Parkinson needs to add some much-needed quality in his engine room.
Byers – who has made 76 appearances in the third tier – would be an upgrade on Jones and Davies while offering competition for Cannon’s spot in the starting XI.
In terms of their energy, tenacity and ability to ghost into the box, the former Sheffield Wednesday man boasts similar attributes to the Englishman.
George Byers can rival Andy Cannon
Cannon enjoyed an excellent campaign in League Two and having played 162 times in League One, the Englishman is ready for that immediate step up.
There’s no doubt the ex-Hull City man is a guaranteed starter moving forward however, he does need some competition for his place in the side, which could come in the shape of Byers.
Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann previously described the talented midfielder as ‘silky’, which was a trait demonstrated at Blackpool as he completed 65% of his dribbles per match and completed 89% of passes in his half.
Keeping it neat and tidy is a trait that Byers would bring to Wrexham’s midfield. The Reds were used to dominating possession in the fourth tier and they’ll need a midfield metronome to keep things ticking over.
In terms of experience at this level and offering Cannon competition, however, Byers would be a cost-efficient option for Parkinson to consider, as adding depth centrally is of paramount importance.