Wrexham and Phil Parkinson face a clear goalkeeper decision this summer, with Anthony Patterson now in the frame alongside Danny Ward and Arthur Okonkwo at the Racecourse Ground.
This is not just about adding depth. The real question is whether Parkinson needs a new first-choice goalkeeper, a stronger challenger, or a clearer succession plan before another Championship push.
Wrexham came close last season, and small margins could matter again. Sorting the Wrexham AFC goalkeeper position may be one of the most important calls of the window.
Anthony Patterson gives Wrexham a live market option
Wrexham are one of three Championship clubs showing interest in Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with Wolves and Millwall also in the mix.
Patterson is currently third choice at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are looking for £8m for the academy graduate after his loan spell at Millwall.
That price tag suggests any move would be about more than adding depth behind Danny Ward and Arthur Okonkwo.
FotMob credits Patterson with 14 Championship matches, 1,260 minutes, six regular-season clean sheets, 12 goals conceded, a 73.9 per cent save rate and 1.08 goals prevented in 2025-26.
talkSPORT adds that Patterson kept seven clean sheets during his time at Millwall and featured in both play-off matches. The figures underline why he has become a serious name in the market.
Read More: Arthur Okonkwo could leave Wrexham permanently as contract negotiations stall
The link has already sparked discussion among Wrexham supporters, with many weighing up whether Patterson would be a clear upgrade or another complicated layer in a crowded goalkeeping picture.
The Ward and Okonkwo debate is still the starting point
Sports Illustrated says Ward was expected to concede 12.82 goals and allowed 12, while Okonkwo was expected to concede 50.4 and allowed 53.
The same outlet puts Okonkwo at a 67.9 per cent save rate and Ward at 67.6 per cent. Those numbers do not make either goalkeeper a problem, but they leave room for Wrexham to look for a higher ceiling.
There is important context. Wrexham faced the fourth-highest number of shots in the Championship, so this cannot be reduced to a simple goalkeeper blame game.
talkSPORT says Okonkwo made 39 appearances and kept ten clean sheets, while Ward is second choice and has one year left on his deal.
Benchmarks show what Wrexham may be chasing
The wider Championship picture explains why Phil Parkinson may want elite shot-stopping if Wrexham are serious about moving from seventh into the promotion places.
Sports Illustrated notes that Carl Rushworth ranked first for goals prevented, Christian Walton ranked second, and Max Crocombe had the best save percentage in the division.
Those names are useful benchmarks even if they are not all realistic targets. They show the level Wrexham may need from their next No 1.
Parkinson has been clear that Wrexham will still look to strengthen.
“Of course, we’ll always look to try and add to that to give ourselves an even better chance, but we’ll have a break now and we’ll come back and go again.”
BBC Sport has framed Wrexham’s summer as evolution rather than revolution, with Parkinson preparing for another season in the same division.
Patterson offers a fresh option, Ward brings experience, and Okonkwo remains a long-term project. But the data points to one clear conclusion: Wrexham cannot afford to head into the new season without a clear plan for their No 1 shirt.
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