Wrexham’s interest in Chris Mepham is over after the Wales international defender agreed a move to West Bromwich Albion.
Phil Parkinson had considered the Bournemouth centre-back as part of his summer rebuild, but Mepham will instead continue his career in the Championship.
West Brom win the race
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Mepham has agreed terms with the Baggies and is set to undergo a medical. The deal, which could be either a permanent transfer or a loan, ends speculation linking the 27-year-old with Wrexham.
Mepham spent last season on loan at Sunderland, making a significant contribution as the Black Cats reached the Championship play-off final. His performances re-established him as a reliable second-tier defender, and West Brom have moved decisively to secure his services before the deadline.
Wrexham’s defensive picture
Wrexham have already invested heavily in their back line this summer. Conor Coady joined in a £2 million deal from Leicester City, while Callum Doyle arrived for up to £7.5 million from the same club. Both are expected to form the core of Parkinson’s back three alongside academy graduate Max Cleworth.
Other defenders, including Dan Scarr and Thomas O’Connor, face uncertain futures, but with Coady and Doyle secured, Parkinson appears content with his defensive options. The club had explored adding further depth, but Mepham’s imminent move to The Hawthorns means attention may now shift to potential departures rather than further arrivals.
Wales connections remain strong
Mepham, who has 48 senior caps for Wales since making his debut in 2018, would have bolstered Wrexham’s growing contingent of internationals. The North Wales club have made a point of targeting Welsh players this summer, with Danny Ward, Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore all joining the squad.
Those three, like Mepham, are expected to be part of Craig Bellamy’s Wales plans ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. While Wrexham supporters will not see Mepham in red at the STōK Cae Ras, they will see him line up for the national team alongside several of their new recruits.
Writer’s View
For Wrexham, this feels like an opportunity missed but not a disaster. With Coady and Doyle on board, the club already possess the kind of experience and quality needed to stabilise defensively at Championship level. Mepham would have been a marquee addition, yet the financial outlay elsewhere suggests balance is required.
His move to West Brom instead highlights the pulling power of established Championship clubs, while Wrexham can focus on maximising the players they already have. The key now will be to keep their defensive core fit and settled as the season develops.
