Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson appears to have ruled out a move for former England international Dele Alli.
The Red Dragons were one of three clubs linked with the winger, who departed Italian outfit Como by mutual consent last week. The 29-year-old is looking to return to England in one final bid to resurrect his career.
Alli has had to contend with a number of off-field issues since leaving Everton in 2024, with Serie A looking the ideal place to put those issues behind him. However, he made just one appearance, which lasted 10 minutes before he was shown a straight red card.
His release allegedly alerted a number of Championship clubs, with Wrexham named alongside Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion as potential destinations. Swansea City have also since been linked.
Parkinson To Fill Remaining Squad Place
Wrexham named 24 players in their squad for the season following the closing of the transfer window, leaving one space available. This now looks to be filled by midfielder Ollie Rathbone, who is closing in on a return.
The 28-year-old played a key role in their promotion from League One last season after joining from Rotherham United, but suffered an ankle injury in their pre-season tour of Australia. It now appears as if he will be the 25th man to be added to Parkinson’s squad. Speaking to The Leader, the manager said:
“I think Ollie is closing in.
“I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive, and he’ll be back in a couple of weeks.
“We need Ollie back, he’s a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year.
“He’s a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad.
“But he’s played at this level and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.
“His start to the season has been curtailed but obviously he’s a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better.
“His energy and his quality, I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us.”
Writer’s View
Wrexham’s historic rise up the football bid and backing by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has seen them linked with a number of top stars throughout the summer. Names such as Jamie Vardy and Christian Eriksen have come and gone in the gossip columns and it was little surprise to see them touted as a potential destination for Dele Alli. Parkinson looks to have effectively ruled out the move though, meaning the former Tottenham Hotspur star will have to explore other options.
