Wrexham managed to sign 13 new players during the summer transfer window. But they didn’t get everyone they wanted.
In the end, Wrexham spent £33million on new signings this summer, in what was a record-breaking summer for the Dragons under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
We saw some big names arrive at the Racecourse, and for big fees with the likes of Callum Doyle and Nathan Broadhead costing a combined £18million alone.
But Phil Parkinson didn’t get to sign everyone he looked at: Jamie Vardy was linked but instead moved to Italy, whilst Wrexham held talks to sign Christian Eriksen who now plays in Germany.
Another higher-profile name who the Dragons looked at in the summer was Wrexham-born former Welsh international Tom Lawrence.
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Tom Lawrence signs for new club after Wrexham links
Right at the start of the summer transfer window, Wrexham were linked with a move for Lawrence who was eventually released by Rangers as a free agent. The Dragons’ links persisted throughout the summer but in the end, Parkinson eventually moved on.
Wrexham bolstered their midfield ranks with the likes of Lewis O’Brien and Ben Sheaf. Lawrence remained without a club but on Friday morning, Australian A-League outfit Perth Glory announced the signing of Lawrence, who went more than 100 days without a club.
Lawrence, now 31 years old, has signed a one-year deal with the club and could potentially make his debut against Wrexham’s pre-season opponents Wellington Phoenix next week. Perth currently sit rock-bottom of the A-League.
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Tom Lawrence explains decision to join Perth Glory
Wrexham is certainly an attractive destination for players right now. The club is moving up the football ladder rapidly and it was reported that Wrexham are paying wages up to £30,000-a-week this season, so there’s a lot to admire from a player’s point of view.
But speaking to Perth Glory, Lawrence explained that talks with the club’s hierarchy encouraged him to join the club in the end.
Lawrence said: “I had a call with [Glory Football Director] Stan Lazaridis and the Manager [David Zdrilic] and just listened to their passion for the club and where they want to go. That’s really what settled it in the end.
“I also spoke with [Glory defender] Scott Wootton and he was very complimentary about the club and Perth as a city. He basically said just get here as soon as you can, you’ll love it.”
Wrexham return to Championship action against Stoke City next weekend.