Wrexham should turn to one European club to fill the void of a bullying and hardworking midfielder this summer, as one 20-year-old suitably fits the bill.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season, Wrexham will need to undergo a recruitment drive to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming challenge.
Two signings have been made so far this summer, with Ryan Hardie joining from Plymouth Argyle. Hardie has already made a positive impression on Wrexham fans after his recent showing vs Melbourne Victory on the Red Dragons’ Australian tour.
Danny Ward has also returned to Wrexham after he was released by fellow Championship side Leicester City.
Unfortunately, a void still remains in the centre of the park for Wrexham, especially regarding a player with a defensive and bullying trait that will be crucial in the Championship.
Phil Parkinson will be very keen to acquire a player with such attributes, which could lead him to enquire over a Premier League youngster, whose side recently qualified for Europe.
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Wrexham should target David Ozoh to fix the midfield woes
Wrexham have identified Lewis O’Brien as a viable option this summer to fill out the midfield, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder ticking the boxes of vast experience, partnered with brilliant abilities at Championship level.
However, like Wrexham have with James McClean on the left flank, there is a clear void in the midfield for a strong and defensive-minded player, one who can be relied on by Phil Parkinson to break up play.
As a result, attention should turn towards Premier League midfielder David Ozoh to supply this in the 2025/26 Championship season.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has accumulated experience in the Championship, playing on 10 occasions for Derby County on loan last season, where he was singled out as a ‘big player’ by Sam Parkin on the Championship Check-In podcast.
Ozoh possesses the defensive instincts that Parkinson requires in a player, and considering he will likely be available on loan from Crystal Palace, who have qualified for the Europa Conference League for the upcoming season, it makes him a very good option for Wrexham to snap up.
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The risk involved with a deal for David Ozoh
On paper, a player of Ozoh’s calibre being available feels too good to be true, especially considering he was one of the Rams’ key players when he played last season.
Ultimately, his Achilles heel is his fairly colourful injury record. Ozoh was kept out of the majority of his spell with Derby County, making it difficult for him to provide a significant impact to their campaign.
There is a risk involved with bringing Ozoh to the club on loan, which stems from the lack of guarantees over his fitness.
However, if Parkinson is able to get a run of games together with Ozoh, he could blossom into a crucial player at Championship level.