After an initially slow start to the transfer window this summer, fans of other Championship hopefuls will have been questioning Wrexham‘s real firepower in the second division market. The latest unveilings at the STōK Racecourse have reaffirmed the Red Dragons as important contenders.
The latest arrival in Phil Parkinson’s newly-promoted squad, is Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien. As an incredibly sought after midfielder, the 26-year-old has penned a three-year deal with Wrexham, with the Welsh side beating the likes of Swansea City and Hull City to his signature. This comes as the fourth of a flurry of signings in the past six days.
Danny Ward had been picked up on a free deal earlier in the window, from Leicester City, adding exceptional value to the goalkeeping department and instantly slotting in as a Premier League-experienced first choice. Plymouth Argyle also lost out on their clinical striker, Ryan Hardie, as they were relegated to League One following a largely confusing season. Wrexham agreed a deal for the 28-year-old to lead the line in a more well-rounded squad for next season.
Newly-Promoted Threats
However, the serious business has ramped up since these two acquisitions. Birmingham City have emerged as the big spenders of the second tier – as would probably have been predicted – with a clear impetus on following Ipswich Town’s success in back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. Wrexham were bookmarked as the other big-spenders to have arrived in the Championship; the Reds are now living up to this expectation after a relatively slow start.
Bolton Wanderers’ George Thomason has completed a move to Wrexham. The League One outfit’s captain was bought a few days ago to strengthen the experience in the squad despite being just 24. Liberato Cacace has also been unveiled in a deal worth around £2 million as Serie B side, Empoli, lose their versatile wing-back. The left-sided defender marks an extremely valuable coup for Wrexham as they look to push the boundaries of their Hollywood-backed ‘pull’.
The Biggest Statement
On the topic of ‘pull’, due to Sheffield Wednesday’s financial crisis, many stars have been forced into leaving Hillsborough with the Owls’ long-serving talisman Josh Windass departing to Wrexham despite an entire second division vying for his signature. A clear statement was sent to the rest of the Championship after this announcement, but a further addition of O’Brien all but completes a new-look midfield department.
Writer’s View
Parkinson’s Championship side looks to be taking shape as a real competitor in the transfer market. With the current rumours suggesting Wrexham have set aside £10 million for a marquee signing, the division’s top sides could be in trouble. As well as the top half of the table, some established Championship sides could be looking nervously at the drop with Birmingham and Wrexham showing warning signs.
