A slow January transfer window for Wrexham finally exploded into action this weekend with the arrival of Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez, but the Red Dragons still have work to do.
Wrexham fans were crying out for a new striker to join the club this month, and those demands were finally met with two big signings.
Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez made a good start to life at Wrexham against Crawley Town with a promising display. Meanwhile, fellow new signing, Ryan Longman, continues to settle into the squad.
But, Phil Parkinson still could do with one more player coming through the door before the transfer deadline, with one area of the squad lacking depth.
Wrexham need more depth in central midfield after James Jones exit
Amid the hype surrounding the confirmed Wrexham signings this weekend, it may have gone under the radar that James Jones left the club, too.
Fans were gutted to see Jones move on, despite it probably being for the best. Even Rob McElhenney was distraught with the departure, after Jones had been such a key part of Wrexham’s journey so far.
But, more than anything now, Wrexham need to be pragmatic and proactive, and replacing Jones should be the key focus of these final hours of the transfer window.
Wrexham have a fairly strong midfield roster, with Ollie Rathbone, Matty James, Andy Cannon, George Dobson, and George Evans competing for places. But, with Parkinson using three central midfielders, a sixth option feels necessary.
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Who could Wrexham sign in central midfield?
There’s very little in the way of suitable players on the free agent market, though Jeff Hendrick is a player Wrexham could target in that respect. He may be 33-years-old, but his top-level experience could be exactly what the Red Dragons need in the middle of the park.
The more likely route for Wrexham would be to look at the loan market, and there are talented players — albeit youngsters — who could join Parkinson’s project short-term.
We’ve done our own scouting, and reckon Brentford’s Yunus Emre Konak is one option Wrexham should consider, while Everton’s Luke Butterfield is a highly-rated youngster ready to get some first-team experience.
Alternatively, Tyrese Hall at Tottenham Hotspur would be an incredible signing for the Red Dragons. The 19-year-old is a dynamic, very technical box-to-box midfielder who would bring a real vibrancy and creative edge to Wrexham’s squad.