Wrexham are expected to strike a deal or two in the January transfer window with one big-name striker now on the radar.
2024 is coming to an end and Wrexham are looking to finish the year on a high.
Phil Parkinson leads Wrexham into a final away game of 2024 this weekend, travelling to take on managerless Bristol Rovers after Matt Taylor’s exit.
Wrexham then have two home games to finish out 2024, hosting Blackpool and Wigan Athletic at the STōK Cae Ras.
January 1 will see the transfer window swing open once again with Wrexham fans no doubt already thinking about potential additions.
Wrexham sit third in the League One table and some clever signings in January could help Wrexham secure yet another promotion.
- READ MORE: Non-league owner comments on Wrexham rise, he’s inspired by ‘global superstar’ Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham stance on signing Leeds United ace
Shaun Harvey has already hinted at Wrexham spending in January, suggesting that there is money for Parkinson to spend.
Parkinson may have a number of priorities in mind but one report suggests that Wrexham want to sign a proven Championship striker.
The idea is seemingly that a new striker can not only help Wrexham win promotion, but then make an impact at the next level too.
TEAMtalk’s Ben Jacobs now claims that Wrexham are interested in signing Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford.
Bamford has been backed for Wrexham by BBC pundits with his game time at Leeds diminishing this season.
It’s now suggested that Wrexham looked into signing Bamford over the summer and remain interested for January.
The report claims that Bamford earns around £40,000-a-week in wages at Leeds, which was a problem for Wrexham run the summer and may still be now.
Serie A side Genoa are keen on Bamford too with Wrexham left hoping that he will take a pay cut to facilitate a move to North Wales.
- READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds responds to question about his immediate Wrexham future after Allyn family investment
Leeds United expert on Patrick Bamford to Wrexham rumours
We spoke to Leeds United expert Will Butcher from Leeds United News and asked for his verdict on the rumours linking Bamford with Wrexham.
“Big Pat isn’t playing as much at the moment largely because his injury record has allowed Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph to overtake him in the pecking order.
“Farke has brought Bamford on ahead of Joseph on a couple of occasions recently but to no avail. However, his form in the second half of last season shows that all he’d need is a few starts and he’d start scoring goals again, so I have no doubts he’d be able to score goals at League One level. Just look at his goal against Peterborough United in the FA Cup last season.
“Leeds will be quite keen to let him go. TEAMtalk say he’s on £40k a week, which is probably about right given Leeds players received a 50% pay cut after relegation and he signed a new deal after his England cap in 2021. That’s still a big wage though and Leeds will want it off the wage bill.
“Bamford has always had criticism but he is largely adored by fans mainly because he was the attacking spearhead in the club’s most-successful season in the last 20 years; top scorer in the side that gained promotion. But the feeling is, he is set for a move soon and that injury has left him past his best. Still, it would be a coup for a League One side.”
Wrexham have prioritised signing proven players under Parkinson and Bamford would certainly fit that bill.
Wrexham must be careful though; Bamford’s injuries have seriously impacted him and Wrexham should be wary of committing considerable wages to a player who appears to be on the slide right now.