Swindon Town are closing in on the signing of Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer, with the forward undergoing a medical ahead of a transfer before deadline day.
The 33-year-old has emerged as Swindon’s top target following the season-ending injury to Harry Smith, and a deal is now expected to be finalised within the next 24 hours.
Swindon Win the Race
Palmer’s arrival would address a major gap in Ian Holloway’s squad, after Smith ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Barnet earlier this month. The Robins had drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace him, with Palmer always seen as the preferred option.
Bristol Rovers were also keen on the former AFC Wimbledon man, but Swindon appear to have beaten their League Two rivals to his signature. Pete O’Rourke reported that the striker travelled to Wiltshire for a medical on Thursday, with club officials hopeful of securing registration before the weekend.
If completed in time, Palmer could make his debut against Crewe Alexandra, where he would come up against another former Wrexham favourite in Louis Moult. EFL rules state documentation must be submitted by noon on Friday for him to be eligible.
End of a Wrexham Chapter
Palmer has been a hugely popular figure at the STōK Cae Ras since joining from Wimbledon in January 2022, forming a prolific partnership with Paul Mullin. His goals helped Wrexham to successive promotions from the National League to League One, scoring 31 times across two seasons at non-league level before adding a further 10 across the EFL pyramid.
He has struggled for league minutes since Wrexham’s rise to the Championship, but reminded supporters of his quality with a match-winning brace in the Carabao Cup first round against Hull City earlier this month. Boss Phil Parkinson admitted earlier in the summer that Palmer’s future lay elsewhere, stating: “Ollie has been brilliant for us, a great servant, but he’s ready to go and play.”
The striker’s exit follows a summer of change at Wrexham, with Mullin departing for Wigan Athletic and experienced forward Steven Fletcher also moving on. For many supporters, Palmer’s departure marks another farewell to a squad that brought Hollywood-backed success back to the Welsh club.
Writer’s View
Palmer may not be the future of Wrexham’s Championship project, but for Swindon he could be transformational. The Robins needed a proven striker to replace Smith, and few in the lower leagues can match Palmer’s combination of experience, presence, and a track record of goals.
If Swindon can register him in time for the Crewe clash, fans will quickly see why he was the standout target. At 33, Palmer still has plenty to offer, and this move could prove decisive in Swindon’s promotion ambitions.
