Wrexham are searching for a new striker but Phil Parkinson must still make a decision on the future of one loaned-out forward.
Wrexham are yet to strike in this January transfer window.
Phil Parkinson likes to leave his business late in the January window though – at least that’s what history tells us.
Sure enough, the final two weeks of the January window are now upon us and Wrexham need to strike deals.
Wrexham’s 2-1 defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Thursday night just showed that more quality may be needed in order to achieve promotion.
A new striker is on Wrexham’s radar but with no deal seeming imminent, Parkinson must make a call on Sam Dalby.
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Dundee United make striker decision amid Sam Dalby wait
Wrexham loaned Dalby to Dundee United on deadline day during the summer transfer window.
Dalby was down the pecking order at the STōK Cae Ras and Wrexham were happy for him to spend the final year of his contract in Scotland.
Few could have expected Dalby to become a goal machine at Dundee United but he has now scored 10 goals in 21 games.
Dundee United want to keep Dalby but Wrexham do have an option to recall the striker this month.
Parkinson has suggested that Dalby decision is imminent with Wrexham still weighing up whether to bring him back.
Wrexham may well be assessing the progress of potential new signings before deciding whether or not to recall Dalby.
Dundee United don’t want to be left in the lurch though and they have now signed a new striker of their own.
Jim Goodwin’s side have secured the signing of Port Vale striker Ruari Paton on loan until the end of the season.
Paton adds another goalscoring option to Goodwin’s ranks but also protects Dundee United just in case Dalby is recalled.
“Able to spin into the channels or hold the ball up with his back to goal and bring his teammates into play, Ruari can serve a multitude of purposes at the top end of the pitch, and is capable of changing games at the drop of a hat,” said Goodwin.
“He’s exactly the type of player and person we look to strengthen our group with, and I speak on behalf of everybody at the club when I say we’re extremely excited to work with him during the remainder of 2024/25,” he added on Dundee United’s official website.
Goodwin will ultimately hope to use Paton and Dalby together, rather than need his new signing to immediately replace the goal output of the Wrexham loanee.
Wrexham should leave Dalby at Dundee United
Wrexham are seemingly leaving the Dalby decision as late as possible, allowing time to hopefully progress on new additions.
Ultimately though, we believe that Dalby should be left to shine at Dundee United.
Dalby was down the pecking order at the start of the season and scored just one goal in League Two last season.
Dalby has hit a hot streak in Scotland but in order to really kick on and aim for the Championship, Wrexham need better than Dalby.
Dalby gave fine service to Wrexham but with his contact up this summer, he should be allowed to continue his superb form for Dundee United and then see what his future holds.