Wrexham may struggle to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien after what he previously said about his spell at fellow Welsh side Swansea City.
With hopes of building on their momentum from previous seasons, Wrexham are looking to show ambition in the summer transfer window.
Already through the door is Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, whilst Phil Parkinson’s goalkeeper options have been bolstered by the return of Danny Ward, a former Wrexham academy man.
Wrexham still have hopes of bringing in an experienced head into the centre of the park before the Championship campaign kicks off, with a deal for Lewis O’Brien being pursued.
However, one stumbling block could emerge as Wrexham look to sign the Nottingham Forest man, involving fellow Welsh side Swansea City.
Lewis O’Brien’s love for Swansea City could hamper Wrexham’s chances of signing him
In the 2024/25 Championship season, Lewis O’Brien was handed a loan spell in the second half of the campaign at Swansea City, and the midfielder expectedly thrived at Championship level.
It is clear that Nottingham Forest are seeking a permanent move for O’Brien, which leaves Wrexham as one of the options to take the 26-year-old off their hands, but the midfielder may look elsewhere to maintain Swansea relations.
Because of the Welsh rivalry between Wrexham and Swansea, O’Brien may decide that joining the Red Dragons would go against what he has said about the Swans previously, having suggested that it was ‘hard to say goodbye’ to the club.
Per BBC, O’Brien also said: “I have really enjoyed my time here.
“It’s never out of the question, but sometimes it’s not in my hands, especially having to go back to my parent club.
“We will see what the summer holds. It’s never say never really.”
Battle for Lewis O’Brien could leave Wrexham short-sighted with other alternative targets
Wrexham’s priorities lie in bringing an experienced head into the midfield this season, with Phil Parkinson very clear to add extra depth and leadership to the centre of the park. Whilst Lewis O’Brien fits the description, they cannot get sidetracked.
Especially for the price that Nottingham Forest are demanding for O’Brien, which could be up to £8million, it would be a significant financial decision to be made by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham have plenty of options at their disposal to target in the summer transfer window, and whilst they are down the right lines by looking to sign proven Championship ability before the campaign kicks off, there needs to be assurance that such a deal wouldn’t hamper the deals they wish to make in other areas.