Wrexham have completed the signing of Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie in a major boost to Phil Parkinson’s attacking options.
Wrexham have been in the market for a new striker as Phil Parkinson prepares for life in the Championship.
Steven Fletcher is leaving Wrexham at the end of his contract this summer, leaving a major hole in Parkinson’s attacking ranks.
Ironically, Wrexham have plugged that gap with the signing of another Scottish striker.
Ryan Hardie has joined Wrexham from Plymouth Argyle, returning to the Championship after suffering relegation with the Pilgrims.
Wrexham are paying just £700,000 for Hardie, taking full advantage of a relegation release clause in the striker’s contract.
- READ MORE: Plymouth Argyle fans share clear verdict as ‘top-class’ Ryan Hardie completes Wrexham transfer
Plymouth Argyle verdict on Wrexham signing Ryan Hardie
Wrexham wanted Hardie in January and have finally secured the former Rangers talent’s signature ahead of the Championship campaign.
Hardie has spent five-and-a-half years with Argyle, the last two of which have come in the Championship.
Plymouth fans are gutted to see Hardie leave, having racked up almost 250 appearances for the club since his arrival from Blackpool.
Plymouth’s statement confirming Hardie’s exit was an emotional one, paying tribute to the striker after a superb spell at Home Park.
One line summed up Hardie as a player and as a person – and highlights how he will fit right in at Wrexham.
“Hardie has been a likeable, reliable presence for the whole of Argyle’s recent era, and rightfully became a big fans’ favourite,” Plymouth’s statement read on the club’s official website.
Parkinson made his Wrexham transfer mantra clear after promotion to the Championship; ‘no superstars, no egos’.
Forget the likes of Kevin De Bruyne or Christian Eriksen, Wrexham want signings like Hardie.
Likeable, reliable, fans’ favourite – that is the kind of description Wrexham fans will love to hear, and few would be surprised to see Hardie obtain a similar reputation at the STōK Cae Ras.
Ryan Hardie’s Championship experience crucial for Wrexham
Hardie provides real know-how of the Championship having spent the last two seasons in the second tier.
The Scot has bagged 22 goals in 77 Championship games, scoring double figures in both of his Championship campaigns.
That goalscoring presence will be vital, given that Wrexham don’t possess major Championship experience in attack.
Jay Rodriguez has played plenty of Championship action over the years but scored just twice in 20 games during the first half of last season.
Sam Smith barely featured in the Championship in his first spell at Reading, while Jack Marriott’s last Championship campaign came in the 2021-22 season.
Wrexham needed a striker with recent success in the Championship and Hardie provides that, having scored goals for a struggling Argyle side.
£700,000 looks to be an absolute snip for Hardie and his proven record in the Championship is a welcome addition to Parkinson’s options.