It’s the time of year for retained lists, and clubs releasing a number of players will surely be of interest to Phil Parkinson at Wrexham.
Wrexham have just released their retained list following promotion to the Championship, with eight players leaving the Racecourse.
Steven Fletcher is leaving Wrexham after a successful two-year stint with the club, which has included two promotions for the veteran striker too.
Elsewhere the likes of back-up goalkeeper Mark Howard is also leaving and so Phil Parkinson is certainly losing some experienced and useful players.
But we’re rapidly seeing a number of players being linked with a move to Wrexham. And already it’s been revealed that Wrexham want to sign Championship experienced players for the new season.
On Tuesday, Burnley revealed their retained list following promotion to the Premier League, and one departing player could actually be a great fit for Wrexham.
Jonjo Shelvey is leaving Burnley, he’d be perfect for Wrexham
Formerly of Liverpool, Swansea City, and Newcastle United, among many other clubs, Shelvey joined Burnley on a free transfer in January 2025 but only went on to make two Championship appearances for the club.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has six England caps to his name, will now become a free agent, and Championship level might be his best bet following his stint with Burnley. For many clubs in the second tier, Shelvey could be a very shrewd signing given his experience across England’s top tiers.
He helped Newcastle win the 2016/17 Championship title and even featured in the Championship Team of the Season that year. In his career he’s made 74 Championship appearances in total, scoring 14 and assisting 14. Shelvey also has an impressive 278 Premier League appearances to his name, with 23 goals and 27 assists.
Three reasons why Jonjo Shelvey would be a great signing for Wrexham
Jonjo Shelvey can score goals
Throughout his career, Shelvey has been someone who can score goals. Whether that’s playing as a box-to-box midfielder or as a no.10, Shelvey has consistently chipped in with goals in his career and for Parkinson, having multiple scorers in his ranks next season will be key to competing.
Jonjo Shelvey will be hungry to prove himself
Shelvey’s spell with Burnley may have been a tough one for him. He spent the first half of the campaign out of contract and then barely got a look in at Turf Moor, so expect him to be really fired up to secure a good move this summer, and to really perform next season.
For Parkinson, Shelvey could bring a real hunger and desire to the side and really set an example for the rest of the players.
Jonjo Shelvey on a free transfer would be a bargain
Whilst many expect Wrexham to spend big this summer, they’ll still only spend within their means, and expect Parkinson to really put a lot of effort into signing free agents and players on loan.
Shelvey on a free transfer then could be a really shrewd move. He might demand higher wages than the rest of the team, but even on a one-year contract, Shelvey could be a steal.