Wrexham have finally shopped abroad this summer as Phil Parkinson looks to compete with Championship clubs this season.
Wrexham’s summer recruitment has seen seven new faces arrive, with Conor Coady becoming Phil Parkinson’s latest arrival on Friday.
Five signings have experience in the Premier League or Championship, with Coady, Danny Ward, Lewis O’Brien, Josh Windass and Ryan Hardie arriving.
George Thomason has been on quite the journey up through the leagues, but will now have his first taste of Championship action.
Then there is Liberato Cacace, who has become Wrexham’s first direct signing from an overseas club in the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era.
Cacace joined Wrexham from Empoli in July, with the New Zealand international left wing-back representing a major addition.
- READ MORE: Wrexham’s confirmed transfers in 2025 summer window, incomings, outgoings and latest rumours
Phil Parkinson on Wrexham shopping in Europe
Cacace is an exciting addition and proof that Wrexham are ready to shop abroad when the right player becomes available.
Wrexham are now keen on Juan Portilla, with the Colombian midfielder emerging as a target after shining for Talleres in Argentina.
Other foreign targets could be on Wrexham’s radar, and Parkinson has been quizzed on potentially making signings from the Netherlands.
Wrexham were beaten by Groningen over the weekend, losing two pre-season games against the Eredivisie side.
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Parkinson admitted that it’s important for Wrexham to build knowledge of the European markets.
Parkinson noted that Wrexham’s rapid rise means playing catch-up with other Championship clubs in terms of shopping around Europe.
Parkinson was specifically asked about the Dutch market after playing against Groningen, and admitted that Dutch agents have been speaking to him about a number of players this summer.
“Listen, we’re kind of looking all over for players,” said Parkinson.
“I think it’s important. We’re playing catch-up a little bit, in our knowledge of the European market, because, as you can imagine, we’ve progressed so quickly, sometimes the structure behind that and that knowledge of those leagues, we need to improve on that, but we’re looking at it all the time and if the right player comes available, we’ll try and make a signing.
“I’m in touch with quite a few Dutch agents, who have spoken to me about quite a few players over the summer, but that’s normal because a lot of players want to come to the UK, because they know that, if they do well in the Championship, the next step is the Premier League,” he added.
Wrexham may keep tabs on Sontje Hansen
Signing Finnish winger Oliver Antman from Go Ahead Eagles would have been too perfect, given the Marvel ties with Ryan Reynolds.
Antman has just signed for Rangers, though, and one other Eredivisie winger springs to mind.
Reports in July suggested that Wrexham were interested in signing Sontje Hansen from NEC Nijmegen.
The tricky winger, pictured above, was also being chased by Ajax, but is still with NEC as things stand.
Wrexham are chasing Nathan Broadhead, but Ipswich Town are yet to give the green light on a potential move.
Parkinson may need to have alternative attacking targets in mind, and Hansen would fit the bill.
Hansen is one name to keep an eye on in case Broadhead can’t be secured, with Parkinson clearly in touch with Dutch agents this summer.