It has been years since I felt the thrill of following a team through both good and bad times, and despite the 2,174-mile distance, my support for Wrexham is stronger than ever.
The 2025-26 season was the textbook definition of an emotional rollercoaster. Until December, it was crystal clear that the team was searching for an identity. The players were trying to become a team, and the team was trying to win its way into the Premier League.
The following months were a marathon for both the fans and the players, fighting to secure a place in the play-offs. Unfortunately, there was no happy ending, for several reasons.
One main reason, I would dare say, was the transfer planning.
Many people thought before the summer window of 2025 that Wrexham would simply be fighting to survive in the Championship, but the new faces who arrived at the Racecourse altered those expectations. Unfortunately, not all of them rose to the occasion and, on top of that, the “old guard” was heading towards the exit.
That is why I started to monitor every team across the top three English divisions, as well as several leagues around Europe, to identify players who could take Wrexham to the next level and truly help the club continue its rise.
I will suggest multiple players for each position that the team could scout. The only difference in my research is that my preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, which differs significantly from the 3-5-1-1 system used by Phil Parkinson.
Goalkeepers
If the rumours about Arthur Okonkwo are true and the team needs a new goalkeeper for next season, then this position should not only be the top priority but also command the biggest investment, whether through a permanent signing or a well-structured loan deal with an obligation to buy upon promotion.
The most expensive prospects would be:
- Carl Rushworth (Brighton & Hove Albion), who spent a full season with Coventry City.
- James Trafford (Manchester City), although he currently sits behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order.
- Anthony Patterson (Sunderland), who also enjoyed a strong season at Millwall.
- Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), the Scotland international, if the club prefers a more cost-conscious option.
Defenders
Right Back
Terry Devlin (Portsmouth) has completed a full season and has been mentioned as a possible transfer target. However, there are several other players who should also be on the club’s radar:
- Terry Devlin (Portsmouth)
- Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), a promising Welsh youth international with first-team experience.
- Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), a USA international.
- Anthony Ralston (Celtic), a Scotland international.
- Connor Roberts (Burnley), a Wales international.
- Oisin McEntee (Hearts), who enjoyed an impressive season.
- Arnau Martinez (Girona), a versatile player who could fit well alongside other Spanish-speaking players.
Side note: Ryan Longman could be reinvented as a right-back if the team values his contribution. This could help him earn more regular first-team appearances.
Left Back
After James McClean, the team needs someone capable of making a difference on the left flank. These are some potential options:
- Ryan Manning (Southampton), an experienced player who enjoyed a strong season.
- Alex Murphy (Newcastle United), 21 years old.
- Owen Beck (Liverpool), 23 years old.
Callum Doyle has also shown great promise. He is comfortable in multiple positions and has a knack for getting forward, so making him a primary left-back or wing-back is not the worst idea.
Central Defender
The team already has a large number of players in this position, yet injuries regularly caused selection problems throughout the season. I firmly believe the team only needs a strong partnership at the heart of the defence, and one of those players should definitely be Max Cleworth.
The other could be:
- John Stones (Manchester City) – a long shot because of his profile and pedigree, but if he ever signed for Wrexham he would instantly elevate the team.
- Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur) – a target last year who could potentially be tempted if opportunities become limited.
- Mark McKenzie (Toulouse) – a USA international known for his solid defensive qualities.
Central Midfielders
These are arguably the two most important positions on the pitch. The team needs strong links in midfield to control games, transition smoothly from defence to attack, provide direct passes to teammates and contribute goals.
Side note: There is strong speculation that Lewis O’Brien is heading to Hull City, while Ben Sheaf never fully lived up to expectations. Therefore, there is room for improvement and change. George Thomason, Matty James, George Dobson and Oliver Rathbone remain crucial first-team players.
I would therefore suggest the following players:
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford) – experience at the highest level.
- Bobby Clark (Derby County) – enjoyed an excellent season and could become a key player for the future.
- Cameron Brannagan (Oxford United).
- Jordan James (Leicester City).
- Antonio Blanco (Deportivo Alavés) – a defensive midfielder attracting attention from several Spanish clubs.
- Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver) – a USA international who could make the step into English football.
- Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City).
- Enzo Bardeli (Dunkerque).
- Edoardo Bove (Watford) – a fascinating prospect with plenty of potential.
Potential loan-to-buy options:
- Luca Stephenson (Liverpool).
- Jaden Heskey (Manchester City).
- Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United).
- Bailey Rice (Rangers).
Attacking Midfielders (Right Wing)
Modern football relies heavily on wide players, who can contribute in every phase of the game.
- Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City).
- Morgan Whittaker (Middlesbrough).
- Amario Cozier-Duberry (Brighton & Hove Albion).
- Sindre Walle Egeli (Ipswich Town).
Attacking Midfielders (Left Wing)
- Findlay Curtis (Rangers).
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew).
Attacking Midfielder / Forward / Second Striker
- Sam Greenwood (Pogon Szczecin).
- Callum Marshall (VfL Bochum).
- Ollie Bostock (West Bromwich Albion).
- Tom Cairney (Fulham).
Strikers
- Mateusz Zukowski (FC Magdeburg) – a versatile player who has successfully transitioned from right-back to striker and can also operate on the left wing.
- Dom Ballard (Leyton Orient) – enjoyed an excellent League One season and could contribute significantly if utilised correctly.
- Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar) – only if the board decides to make a major financial investment.
Final Thoughts
These are my humble (or perhaps not-so-humble) proposals. I am not the person tasked with deciding what is best for the team, but if even one of these additions could help Wrexham continue its remarkable rise, I would be a happy man and an even happier Wrexham supporter.
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