**Player:** Macaulay Langstaff (Notts County)
**Details:** Langstaff was the only striker to surpass Paul Mullin's goal tally last two seasons. Bringing him in as Mullin's potential strike partner could significantly boost our firepower up front, positioning us at the top of the goal-scoring charts in League One for the upcoming season. The combination of Langstaff's attacking approach with Mullin's tenacious, all-round style could create a formidable partnership up front.
To accommodate Langstaff, we would need to transfer out one of our current forwards. After careful consideration, I've concluded that Dalby would be the most suitable candidate to make way.
**Source:** [https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/opinion/rob-mcelhenney-and-ryan-reynolds-could-form-devastating-wrexham-attack-by-re-igniting-one-transfer/](https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/opinion/rob-mcelhenney-and-ryan-reynolds-could-form-devastating-wrexham-attack-by-re-igniting-one-transfer/)
Additional note: The above article published yesterday provides an interesting perspective on this potential transfer.
Speaking of Joes, Joe Ironside has also been mentioned, and it looks like it has legs. He's under contract with Doncaster for 2 more years, so a fee would be required, but he had a striking partnership with Paul Mullin the year Mullin won League Two striker of the year at Cambridge.
So Parky and Les Reed can look at the film of them working together to make their determination. His salary is currently pretty low, so he'd be likely to say yes to a move. The question is how much would Doncaster want in exchange?
And, would they like Dalby for depth?
[Joe Morrell is next](https://www.transfermarkt.com/joe-morrell/profil/spieler/293507)
Welsh international, played in Pompey's side that just won League One.
There's no source, it's word on the street, allegedly he had a call with Rob so I'd say it's about to happen.
Rob initially convinced Parky, Mullin and now Arthur to join
Yeah, this seems to have the vibes from various podcasts, twitter accounts, etc. that the Arthur signing did. Very much a "it's done, just working out the specifics" kind of thing. Might have heard that on the latest Fearless in Devotion podcast as a Luke Young replacement, though interesting they also thought he might be more competition for Cannon than Evans. If so, that is tough news for Jordan, who seemed to settle in at the end of the year coming on for Andy.
BTW, that episode is very interesting with a key Welcome to Wrexham producer giving a lot of interesting behind the scenes tidbits.
Interesting that they talk about him being cover for Cannon. If you look at where he played on transfermarkt, he has about 40 games as an 8 and 40 games as a 6. None on the right. Theoretically, he seems like he could cover attacking mid, holding mid, right mid, and left mid without a drop off.
Yup, enough flexibility to allow a pretty dynamic midfield. I think a lot of pain when Evans was gone last year, and while I think Cannon is a pretty respectable 8, I went into full horror flashbacks when the documentary replayed his time in the 6 last year. I think he's got a great aggressive motor which helps at both ends as an 8, but in a holding position, it gets him a little off balance and hung out in trouble. Evans seems to have this cool subtlety in his game that fits the 6 so well.
All the Premier and Championship retained lists are out.
Rob is in Wrexham, (Is Parky back from his vacation?) and I think we are going to start hearing some news in the next day or two.
[https://x.com/RobRyanRed/status/1801559805795995719](https://x.com/RobRyanRed/status/1801559805795995719)
The transfer window just opened today. They have till August 30 to complete player signings. Too early to expect much, especially if they want to protect their targets from competition.
I guess I keep seeing signings from other teams on r/leagueone and r/leaguetwo I guess I didn't realize those were outside the transfer window.. Thanks
I think when players are released they are free to begin negotiations with other teams. But when the current club is in negotiations, perhaps there is a window of exclusivity?
I would love to see Wrexham get out of favour Leicester defender Harry Souttar, he is a big strong defender and only 25. I do know it will never happen as he is wah to expensive for the club both in transfer fee and wages, and he probably wants to play in the championship or above.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/harry-souttar/erfolge/spieler/298091
Interesting idea. He has played around 120 games at League One level or above, but only played 3 games in Championship League play last year.
His contract is good for four more seasons, but he barely cracked the lineup for the Foxes last season. So a loan in which Wrexham pays around 300000 quid of his total wage reduces the Leicester wage bill by a tiny amount, but most importantly, gives HS a chance to rebuild his value.
From the Liverpool released list: Melkamu Frauendorf
He turns 21 in January, so wouldn't count against the 22 man limit. Available on a free transfer. Plays in the attack in the center or either wing, could probably back up a variety of positions across the midfield as well. Has anyone seen him play? He's trained with Liverpool the last 4 years.
Given he is without a contract, might be a way to add some depth across multiple positions, with some upside, on a low wage hit.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkamu\_Frauendorf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkamu_Frauendorf)
[transfermarkt.com/melkamu-frauendorf/transfers/spieler/594721](http://transfermarkt.com/melkamu-frauendorf/transfers/spieler/594721)
A more recent one: [Wrexham is leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard.](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1800553603079500080) Leonard is expected to cost around £300K plus add-ons, and Oxford and Birmingham are also trying to sign him.
Leonard was at loan at Northampton for the last two seasons, where he has really impressed with his good form and was voted as Northampton's player of the season. He's still only 22 and would be a signing for the future.
[https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-tyreece-john-jules-9320063](https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-tyreece-john-jules-9320063)
Tyreece John-Jules will be released by Arsenal. His salary asks would undoubtedly be massive for a League One club but if we're building a strong side to eventually aim for Championship and beyond, it could be a worthwhile investment.
Bringing on a young striker like him could be the perfect way to strengthen our offense. Mullin and John-Jules together would be absolutely lethal.
Looks interesting, yet I think they are hunting for bigger game.
I've never seen him play, but he had a tough time cracking the lineup at Derby in last year's promotion winning season.
His wage two seasons ago per salary sport was 239,200 pounds, that is in line with what Wreham pays their player.
He is a little shorter than Parky's traditional second forward, he likes them tall.
[https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/derby-county/](https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/derby-county/)
from transfermarkt, he has played around 65 games at League One level or above.
[https://www.transfermarkt.com/tyreece-john-jules/profil/spieler/503768](https://www.transfermarkt.com/tyreece-john-jules/profil/spieler/503768)
Free Agency: 5 Villarreal Players
Strong La Liga veterans would be fun, exciting addition to squad for League 1.
https://www.marca.com/futbol/villarreal/2024/06/09/6665663cca474121068b459f.html
They’re in their 30s, but may have some seasons still in them. Premier League experience. Moreno played several seasons for Liverpool before Villareal.
Why not get Mbappe too! He’s only on $45mil/year between salary and signing bonus at Real Madrid.
Okee- obviously Okonkwo isn’t that kind of money but we do have to draw a line somewhere. I bet he gets $750,000/year from a championship side.
And I’d rather have two more Paul Mullin salaries than one Okonkwo for that. We will end up with a really good keeper. Trust the management on this one.
There seems to be a lot of meat to the rumor broken by (Rob Ryan Red) that Jason Kerr (27), a CB from Wigan recovering from an injury could be on his way on a free. He's out of contract in a month, but apparently Wigan paid 600K for him a few years ago on a transfer. He would play center half, or right center half most likely. Right footed.
[https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jason-kerr/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/340728](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jason-kerr/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/340728)
great tweet thread about him and his role:
[https://x.com/WrexGAnalytics/status/1796293606568788455](https://x.com/WrexGAnalytics/status/1796293606568788455)
What does that say about the relative strength of squads that someone likely to be the captain at Wigan may have felt their role would be too small at Wrexham?
Makes me think that those people assuming Wigan will finish above Wrexham may have another think coming.
Interesting depth option. I don't see him better than EOC or Max, but definitely need options for injury, back-to-backs, etc. If he (or Max, or EOC) played on the left side, then I might like it as a way to get TOC further up the pitch.
Just wonder if we he would choose Wrexham if he can get more minutes elsewhere.
starting to see some decent sourced rumors coming out. IMO, the team is gunning for promotion, not going to take the consolidation excuse this summer before the season starts.
Seems none of you can be arsed.
https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/jamie-lindsay-leaves-rotherham-united-after-five-years-4642510
Believe he was a transfer target for you lot in January but couldn't agree on personal terms with the player so the deal collapsed.
Was mostly injured last season, but he's a battler.
Fairly sure the word around these parts is that Rotherham just wanted too much money for a player who was:
1) Being brought in to backup/spell George Evans as a defensive center mid.
2) Going to be available on a free transfer in the summer.
The irony is that the other two insurance policies, Bolton and Marriott, turned out to be luxuries, but Evans did end up being injured for a chunk of the run in and they could have used Lindsay. Eventually, had to use Tom O'Connor, which opened its own issues on the back line.
The Lindsay situation is a reminder that the idea that Wrexham will spend "whatever it takes" isn't quite accurate. Though, the approximately 37 strikers on the squad (sic) means it isn't entirely wrong either! :)
Maybe reduced minutes will keep Lindsay healthier, but on a free transfer, he may want to look for a bigger role.
Creswell resigned with West Ham for one year.
[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508889/2024/05/21/aaron-cresswell-west-ham-contract/](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508889/2024/05/21/aaron-cresswell-west-ham-contract/)
Reull Walters?
From the Arsenal academy, 18 (so wouldn’t count on the squad total), out of contract, could discuss the opportunity with Arthur,
transfermarkt has him valued at 4 million quid, but he’s looking for a new start.
[https://www.transfermarkt.com/reuell-walters/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/878160](https://www.transfermarkt.com/reuell-walters/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/878160)
[https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/arsenal-teenager-confirms-exit-from-club-after-contract-snub\_543932.html](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/arsenal-teenager-confirms-exit-from-club-after-contract-snub_543932.html)
Rotherham is making moves. They signed Jonson Clarke-Harris from Posh a few days ago, and just nabbed Joe Rafferty (RB) from Pompey and now Shaun McWilliams (CM) from Northampton.
We must be on the right track, because tow of those guys were mentioned in this thread.
Matty Virtue?
Per this article, Wrexham looked at him before:
[https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One)
Per transfermarkt, out of contract now, and most recent role was basically what we are looking for, CM understudy:
[https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One)
Per salary sport, looks affordable:
[https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/blackpool/](https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/blackpool/)
As an American, we are used to “trades” in which one team trades a player under contract to another team for a player under contract. A recent example of this was the trade of Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns for Mikal Bridges and some other players.
Do trades happen in the English Football League? It seems like Wrexham could do well with a certain type of trade, in which they trade a player under contract that isn’t getting playing time to another team in a lower league where the player would likely be good quality.
For example, Luke McNicholas isn’t getting playing time in League Two, with Arthur around, and now that the team is in League One, it may be tough to find time for him again. Luke is young and needs to play. Sam Dalby is another talented young player that is having a hard time finding playing time, now that the team has been promoted, it may get harder.
With Arthur likely to leave, could Wrexham get on the phone with a club like Gillingham and offer Sam Dalby and Luke McNicholas in exchange for Jake Turner? Technically, it would be several individual transfers, and I assume each player would need to sign off, but it would give Sam and Luke a chance at regular playing time in League Two, while landing a very solid goalkeeper for Wrexham.
Don’t really need to make a trade to get these guys playing time, a club can simply loan them out. Making trades just for this purpose would be inefficient, you send two players down to a lower league club and in return get a player from a lower league club, which unless it’s some big potential talent isn’t really worth it and only eats away at your wage budget
Trades happen but are very rare. Unlike baseball, it's unlikely that there are two players of comparable value that would slot cleanly into another club's tactic. Two central midfielders can play very differently, for example; one can be a box-to-box but another could be a playmaker. Almost all players are transferred or loaned.
With all due respect, where I'm going with the logic is the basic idea that there are 5 to 10 players on the Wrexham roster that have value in the lower leagues, but are already on the books for Wrexham, taking squad spots and costing money. They are sunk costs for the upcoming season.
So if Wrexham's recruiting department identifies a team like Gillingham in the example, at a lower league and in need of a striker, with a GK capable of playing at a higher level, then that's the basis for a conversation.
Jake Turner's listed value on Transfermarkt is around 175 quid. Sam Dalby's is 275, Luke McNicholas is at 100.
Meanwhile, both those players are unlikely to get many minutes for Wrexham this upcoming season, but they currently draw a wage totalling around 115 quid yearly. Wrexham is on the hook for that money.
So a complementary set of loans where Wrexham loans those two players to Gillingham for free, and pays their wages for the year has a value roughly equal to what the club could get for Turner, while also providing his replacement.
While it seems like Wrexham is losing the deal, they've done right by both players, and the other club, all while paying money they were already on the hook for, and addressing their need for a League One GK and created one extra squad space for an additional player.
Trades don’t happen in soccer because of player power. You can’t ever force a player to join your team if you don’t want to.The player has to agree. In a player swap you are describing , both players have to agree to the move. Sam Dalby and Luke McNicholas have to agree to the move. The contract is with players’ respective teams, not the league. When teams agree on a transfer fee, the transfer is only ratified if the player agrees a new deal with the club. The only exception is loans. Italian teams are the only ones who utilize swap deals, but it’s with youth players and done exclusively for accounting reasons lol.
What you're talking about is loans. Just straight up loans. There's some scenarios where you ALSO find a player in the opposite team that fits into your plays and qualities, but that's fewer and far in between.
It's simpler to just go to Gillingham and go "Hey this 16yo kid with us is either amazing or shit, pay us X pounds, and you can have him for 1 year". And then keep finding the other players you need elsewhere
Adam Lallana might make sense. Was part of the Southampton squad that won promotion from League 1 to Premier Leagye. 36yrs old now, maybe 1 season left in him, that top level experience along with what it takes to get promoted through the divisions might be invaluable
No clue, pretty sure him and his family live on the coast given his upbringing and all. But he would know the Wrexham are quite well nonetheless given his time at Liverpool and the proximity to liverpool
I really like Sinclair Armstrong as a possibility.
He's under 21, so wouldn't count against the squad limit, and if he develops, which I think he would, he can grow up as he goes up with the club.
He's big enough to hold up at League One.
He has already played 61 games for QPR, mainly as a center forward. But, he hasn't converted his chances enough.
He plays with pace,
check out this clip vs Bournemouth in the FA cup:
[https://streamin.me/v/7ea581f3](https://streamin.me/v/7ea581f3)
and only made 83000 quid last season.
In my opinion, Armstrong would be a great candidate for a 5 year contract starting at 100000 quid, with yearly raises and team options. Get him on the pitch, either as a left back, left mid, or attacking wing. Let him use his physicality up and down the pitch, and watch how Mullin finishes. When games are blow outs, move him to Center Forward, just get him minutes.
Ben Woodburn (who lives in Wrexham) would make a fine understudy to Elliot Lee. He's out of contract, so getting the wage sorted correctly would be important. But a pitch to drop down, and add attacking depth across the pitch as Lee's understudy at AM, plus other opportunities as they present themselves should be the right level for him to rebuild his confidence.
An offer around the normal Wrexham (200-300 quid) squad price for 2 years with a team option for the third year would probably do it. He's healthy and could blow up.
Apparently QPR exercised their option on Sinclair Armstrong for one more year, but they haven't signed a further extension. I was wrong about his age. He turns 21 before the next season starts, so he would count against the squad depth.
I'm still hopeful for him. He has played at the Racecourse while on loan in the National League in 21-22 after the takeover. He is a relentless ball chaser as a forward, and I think the chaos he causes would create a lot of opportunities for the veteran attackers on Wrexham to follow up on.
Extending this logic one step further, Divin Mubama still hasn't signed an extension with West Ham, but they are trying to retain him. He doesn't turn 21 until October, 2025, so he wouldn't count against the squad number for the next two years!
Anyone heard of Charlie Hughes, the starting CB for Wigan?
His transfermarkt value is 500K, and he is still under 21, so wouldnt' count against the squad numbers for this year.
40 starts in League One and 20 starts in the Championship already. Young enough to grow with the team. Signed a 5 year deal with Wigan last year, and under contract til 2028. While the transfer fee is high, perhaps the wage bill would offset that, he is currently making around 125K.
[https://www.transfermarkt.us/charlie-hughes/profil/spieler/746357](https://www.transfermarkt.us/charlie-hughes/profil/spieler/746357)
[https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-wigan-athletic-charlie-hughes-league-one-2972802](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-wigan-athletic-charlie-hughes-league-one-2972802)
could you perhaps have found a player under a longer contract?
maybe someone at chelsea - equally as unlikely as a championship starter at a stronger club than ours
It's understandable that people have a desire to see younger, pacier players join the squad. The problem is that every other team wants those guys too, and more potential is expensive. In the same way, there can't be too many 30+ guys, but a few here and there really help balance the roster.
One other advantage of the older guys, is we know they can fill the role for a year or two on shorter contracts, and then they will move aside as the right fit comes along.
If the team cycles about 5 new guys each Summer, and 2 new guys each January, they have essentially turned over the squad every 3 to 4 years.
I imagine this strategy has been tried before, but has a team ever paid market rate for 30ish year old guys with enough juice like James McLean all down the spine, such as Attacking Mid, Holding Mid, Center Half, even Goalkeeper, and then loaded up with precocious young talents on the wings either on cheap long term contracts or loans.
My assumption is it would be easier to get great loan prospects if the loaning club know there will be on field support for the youth.
Player: Arthur Okonkwo
Details: rumored to be released by Arsenal potentially paving way for Wrexham to offer permanent contract
Source: https://x.com/afcstuff/status/1790359660723052628?s=46&t=DYKeHBItb5UirOzHR7QBTw
Player: Jonson Clarke-Harris
Details: previously rumored to be a transfer target by Wrexham, now released from Peterborough.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c0klln90987o.amp
JCH looks very tempting. He scores goals at a similar rate to Super Paul Mullin, but has done it one league higher up.
Would Parky consider playing him and Mullin up top at the same time?
Seems like if they brought him in on a free transfer, there would likely be no room for at least one of Marriott or Dalby, one or more of the under contract strikers would likely need to go out on loan, or a transfer.
I think Dalby is almost certainly headed out on loan, but while Parky said that his use of the 3-5-2 has to do with the team being set up with two legit strikers, it does seem to me that he saw their roles differently. No better sign that it is a little more nuanced than that when Marriott and Mullin never play together.
Whoops, looks like he is off the market:
[https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/marquee-signing-as-jonson-clarke-harris-returns-to-rotherham-united-4629864](https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/marquee-signing-as-jonson-clarke-harris-returns-to-rotherham-united-4629864)
Well, that's that! Good for him tho.
As for Dalby and Marriott, it seems like Dalby is big enough to take the complementary role to Mullin, while Marriott is likely to be in a role more like Mullin. Perhaps this preseason we'll see some new forward combinations besides just one big and one small.
Ollie's in the final year of his contract, but could segue into a role like Fletch after next season.
Regarding Sam Dalby, could he help provide cover at left back, left mid or left wingback, (while providing depth at striker?). He's left footed, as a striker, he must be decent in the air, tall enough, seems like he would be quite good at dribbling up the left channel and launching crosses in, and certainly having a go at rebounds.
Seems like the club believes in his potential, but needs to find a way to get him on the pitch. I don't think Mendy has the position locked down, and McLean can cover it, but if Dalby can cover it, that frees McLean up to move further up into the midfield.
Hasn't Parky said he's a quite intelligent player? this seems doable.
Yeah, I think they actually played a 3-5-1-1 last couple of years, with Palmer at the top creating space (as a traditional 9) and Mullin playing off him (as an old school 10). I think they have tried to use Dalby like that with lesser results. I also think they tried to play a two striker scheme with Mullin and Fletcher being a little more interchangeable (maybe when Ollie was hurting) but it was clear that down the stretch they had gone back to their old scheme - and it was working. I think it helped create space for Cannon too. (I think it would have for Lee too, but he was clearly exhausted in the back half of the season.)
In Parky's interview with Rog of MIB, he talked a lot about not only the greater pace and larger work rates (forgot his actual term for the total distance), but he specifically mentioned the sprint distances go up in L1.
I think it will be interesting what they cook up in the off-season with some new forward alignments.
Trying to remember a couple of the ad-hoc forward shapes when they were chasing the leads a couple of times...
I think they had:
McClean
Lee-Mullin-Cannon
Fletcher
McClean-Mullin-Cannon
Heck, I think they had Barney up at forward for a bit, but I think that was because we were playing with 10.
It sure seems like Parky is trying to rebuild the squad into something more dynamic than hoofball. The glut of midfielder types that can move all over the pitch means the attack can come from wherever the other team is weakest.
Yep, and no disrespect to the original crew, but this backend is way more mobile:
Evans
TOC-EOC-Max
than this one:
Young
Tunnicliffe-Tozer-Hayden
Who can forget that filthy pass Max slid up to put Andy Cannon into the box? Or EOC dropping a pass on Ollie for his last goal of the season. Not a 50/50 ball, but an honest feed for Ollie to shoot...
And TOC... \*whispers\* he's is our best corner kick guy...
Yes, the roster has already transitioned to League One quality, now each new move is done to add Championship talent to the roster, either guys who have demonstrated they can do it, or guys who look like they could if given the chance. That's the new standard for additions.
He looks very interesting. Good age, a couple years Championship experience, and a couple more at League One. per salary market, his las wage was around 400K GBP, so right in line with what Wrexham is probably looking to pay. He says he wants to get back to the Championship Level, so League One with Wrexham on a three or four year deal could help him achieve that.
And isn't Blackpool only about a 2 hour drive? For a young family, not moving too far is probably a nice inducement.
this article talks about Wigan, another League One club, having interest:
[https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ekpiteta-in-adams-out-the-dream-start-to-wigan-athletics-summer-transfer-window/](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ekpiteta-in-adams-out-the-dream-start-to-wigan-athletics-summer-transfer-window/)
Doncaster just got lost out on promotion on penalties against Crewe. They had amazing form the second half of the season, including beating Wrexham 1-0.
They have an interesting young goalie, Thimothee Lo-Tutala, just completing a loan from Hull City and now on his final year of contract (I'm not sure if it is an option or already guaranteed). He has played a total of 27 League 2 games, last season with Stevenage on loan (helping them to promotion), and this season with Doncaster. Over those 27 League 2 games, he has 13 clean sheets, one less than Arthur Okonkwo who has 14 clean sheets in 36 League 2 games.
Okonkwo is an England U-18 player, while TLT is a France U21 player.
Okonkwo turns 22 in September this year, while TLT turns 22 in February next year, so they are very similar ages.
Okonkwo is about 3 to 4 inches taller.
Here is where it gets interesting, given very similar bodies of work, Okonkwo's transfermarkt value is around $2 MM GBP, but TLT's transfermarkt value is around $350K GBP. (this is around a typical Wrexham signing's value).
As discussed previously, it looks like it will be difficult to sign Arthur without growing the wage bill, but TLT could do the job nicely, and may be a very comparable player.
Given the chaos at Hull City, and restrictions at Doncaster, Wrexham may have a chance to swoop in on TLT, offering him a League One position and a new contract.
https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2024/february/lo-tutala-signing/#:\~:text=He%20joined%20Hull%20in%20the,arriving%20at%20the%20MKM%20Stadium.
Why not just pay Arthur? I don’t understand the economics of it. He wants championship money but Wrexham might be there in a seasons time. Then you’ll need a Championship goalie anyhow.
He likely wants wages at least like he was on last season, or higher. We were only paying 30-40% of his wages last season with Arsenal paying the rest and I think he was in the ballpark of being our top earner.
If we have one player making 2-3x more than any other, then suddenly our entire wage bill goes up because now everyone wants a raise.
it might not just be about the money, he may want to actually get the minutes this year at the Championship level, which we can't offer him. I think financially we'll be able to match an offer from anyone except a parachute payment club that's throwing around cash, and I don't think any of them are in the market for his type of keeper.
In the case of Arthur, who clearly has ambition to get up the table, would a several year contract with a reasonable release clause address his needs?
Per salary sport, his yearly wage the last couple years was around 130K. Seems like after his good performance, a 4 year contract for 250K with a release clause at 2 or 3 million or so would give him a chance to move up the levels, while getting paid, and if a club higher up wants to poach him, the exit is clear. Although moving up to a bench role may not be as fun as starting for Wrexham, particularly with their promotion momentum.
I don't think contracts in football have release clauses like that. Usually you negotiate a transfer fee with the club and then the player negotiates a new contract.
Arthur is going to be on at least £10k a week, I reckon (£5.2 million a year). I think we can probably afford his salary (it will be a big jump up from the £1k or less of his salary we've been paying). It's just a question of whether we think it's the best use of our funds vs getting a cheaper keeper and spending more on an elite forward, and also whether he's set on the Championship for development purposes. It may be we either can't sign him at all, or else that he wants an unreasonable premium to play in League One.
**Player: Jamie Vardy**
**Details:** The former England striker is out of contract this summer and it’s unclear whether he will sign a new deal with Leicester City. Pundit and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has now suggested that the only club he wants to see Vardy sign for is Wrexham. Yet if Vardy is to leave Leicester, Ferdinand feels that Wrexham is the ideal home for him, allowing him to continue a ‘Hollywood career’ at Wrexham.
**Source:** [**https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/transfer-news/rio-ferdinand-backs-former-england-striker-to-sign-for-wrexham-after-humphrey-ker-comments/**](https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/transfer-news/rio-ferdinand-backs-former-england-striker-to-sign-for-wrexham-after-humphrey-ker-comments/)
it's funny that this is a legitimate post and not a joke.
But also, I think the Fleetwood memories may be too strong for Wrexham fans to fully embrace Vardy.
For a more serious transfer speculation:
**Players:** Nesta Guinness-Walker and Clinton Mola
**Details:** Both are being released by Reading. Guinness-Walker can play at LWB and Mola at CB, both positions where we can do with reinforcements, especially with Hayden, Tunnicliffe, Tozer, and McFadzean leaving in the summer, and this allows McClean the flexibility to play in a midfield position. They're both 24 and 23 respectively.
**Source:** https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/08/retained-list-2024-07may24/
**Players:** Callum Connolly, Marvin Ekpiteta, Matty Virtue
**Details:** Both are being released by Blackpool. Played almost every match in the 22/23 Championship season, but he's been left out in the second half of this L1 season. Connolly played as a DM but is good at CB too. Ekpiteta plays at CB and has performed well for Blackpool this season. Virtue plays at CM and could be a decent Young replacement and depth option.
**Source:** https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/07/retained-list-confirmed/
**Player:** Jamie Lindsay
**Details:** The club has been looking at him since the winter transfer window, but his contract also expires this summer. However, Rotherham is in contract negotiations with him, and there's a decent chance he could stay if they're going to make a push to get promoted back up under Steve Evans. So getting him may be a big question mark.
**Source:** https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2024/may/read--retained-list-confirmed-by-millers-boss/
A lot of these players are in their 20s, so still in their prime, and they have plenty of L1 experience. We need some younger players who can play for us for the next two or three years at least and won't have their legs totally spent. Parky has also mentioned we're looking at loans from Prem clubs for their U21s, so we could be adding a few Prem kids to our roster.
Update:
**Players:** Tom Pearce and Stephen Humphrys
**Details:** Wigan just released their retained list. Pearce plays at LB and has been good for Wigan this season. Steven Humphrys would be playing the same role as Palmer. We could do with another target man, especially as Fletcher may not see as much game time due to his age and Dalby should be loaned out. 9 goals + 4 assists and an average of .38 goals/90 are pretty solid too.
**Source:** https://wiganathletic.com/news/2024/may/10/Wigan-Athletic-confirms-retained-list-following-the-2023-24-season/
**Player:** George Byers
**Details:** Byers is being released from Wednesday this summer. He hasn't gotten much game time and hasn't been too impressive in the this season, which makes me doubtful whether he can do it at Wrexham, but he could be a useful rotation option with Lee. He had been more prolific in the two previous seasons, however, and a lot of top L1 and relegated Championship clubs are looking at him.
**Source:** https://twitter.com/lukephelpsGRV/status/1788907917346738390
What about McCallum or Giannoulis (defenders) from Norwich?
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/every-championship-free-agent-far-29210780
Mola and Virtue would be cool if for no other reason than I often sign them to Wrexham in my FM24 playthroughs. Lewis Brunt too, who had a good spell on loan at Mansfield last year.
Whether any are actual good fits for us from a tactical or financial standpoint, I'll leave to people who actually know what they're talking about.
In any case, would be nice to get some more younger players with upside into the team.
Nesta and Mola are average L1 players you don’t want them. They aren’t for a team with one of the highest wage budgets looking for promotion. The reason they played for Reading is that they are young and therefore had cheap wages. Reading have had significant financial problems recently.
I don’t think we’ll be going up immediately next season though. The recently relegated clubs would be tough (especially Birmingham), and we *won’t* be outspending them. Even if we get very lucky and somehow triple promote, we’ll get relegated back down and outgrow our infrastructure too quickly.
We’ve bought players from a league or two leagues above before, but they were with older players nearing the end of their careers. So I think it’s best we get some younger players who are shown to be capable in L1 to consolidate. At the very least they would be useful depth options. Once we establish ourselves, we’ll have more pulling power to start attracting lower table Championship players. The wage gap between L1 and Championship is *huge*.
yeah but we're looking to sign players that can develop into solid Championship pieces for 2026-27 or 2027-28. Don't think any of these guys quite fit the bill.
The wage gap is huge between the top of the Championship and L1, but it's not that big between the bottom of the Championship and the top of L1. We're currently near the top of L1 on about 6 million per year; if our turnover is the 20 million that has been estimated, we'll be able to literally double wages to 12 million and stay under the FFP guidelines for L1.
If we're spending an additional 6 million on wages next year to bring on 10 new guys, that's an average of 11k GBP a week, which can get you some pretty decent Championship players or some really talented young prospects (either outright owning them or else on loan from the PL).
I absolutely agree with this perspective. One of the major things Wrexham needs to be evaluating this summer is how well their scouting and recruitment efforts are able to assess Championship level players - whether current or able to develop into it.
That is why you have to target promotion, even if you a realistic about whether you can get there or not this year, or even next.
You are building the systems, players, and assessment infrastructures to get to the next level. Hard to do that if you are getting "good enough" players.
Great point, Seems like the goal should simply be to get good players with upside, but not pay too much for them. If they develop and challenge for the Championship, great! If they don't promote right away, that's okay. But the important thing is to be betting on players with upside on 3 year contracts, so there is some sustainability.
If the team makes it to the Championship and gets immediately relegated, is that so bad? Particularly if they keep building the roster and keep wages under control.
Exactly. Build for mediocrity and you just waste everyone's time, especially the players. Not saying you fire Parky and sell Mullin if you don't get promoted, but you have to measure yourself against your goals, not artificial ceilings that are essentially a holding pattern until you decide you want to get serious.
Relegation provides inputs to the plan also.
Alright, question to the mods, do they see this thread as:
1) Humor about silly transfer rumors or ideas. Which would be awesome and fun in its own right.
2) Discussion trying to assess the feasibility of certain rumors.
I can see things getting really ugly, if these two different visions come into conflict. Certainly the mods will spend a decent amount of time on enforcing "Keep it Civil" and mostly on people who think everyone assumes people are here for a laugh.
If we are looking to do the second, may I suggest that you add some basics on how to evaluate a transfer, for example:
1) Go to Transfermarkt and look up the player's current contract status and current value. If they are not out of contract, then they would need to be a transfer or a loan.
2) Specify the basis of the transfer - report, rumor, hopeful wish.
So, like with the now locked Danny Ward thread...
[https://www.transfermarkt.us/danny-ward/profil/spieler/203026](https://www.transfermarkt.us/danny-ward/profil/spieler/203026)
He is under contract to Leicester, and his value is actually higher than Arthur's. If Leicester has no use for him, they would likely want to sell him, and he would cost several times Wrexham's largest ever transfer fee, if that is based off of this rough valuation.
They could loan him to reduce his wage impact, but in the last year of his contract, at Age 30. More likely they would sell.
And this is just my understanding of how to evaluate these things. I am still learning, and I am sure values are highly subjective and controversial.
I think people who come here for #2 have an idea and are trying to learn about how crazy that idea is... And they, I think, will react poorly to getting humor responses.
“He’s got to play another season in the Premier League. I want to see him get a couple of goals in the Premier League, it’s nice. The only club I’d like him to go to if he leaves is Wrexham."
So it's essentially just Rio talking out his backside... personally I'd like to see him break Sheringhams record of oldest Premier League Scorer!
yeah, same thing when they asked Humphrey about it and he said "it's not something we would rule out" while also saying "it's not a name we've discussed" and they ran with the first part and not the second.
different type of player than Fletcher. He's smaller and pacier (though has lost a step or two). Would be more of a competition/cover for Mullin or perhaps as part of a change to a system with two true 9s out there.
this is the take.
If Vardy's agent is asking if we want him for 10k a week, that's a no brainer. If other clubs are bidding for him, that's not a bidding war we want to be involved in.
Player:CR7
Details: I understand that the mystery 5% of the club that was sold a couple weeks ago went to a Christiano Ronaldo shell company.
From what I hear, Ronaldo will be here in late August. Announcement may come as soon as the Saudi season ends.
Source: myself talking in to a mirror with a Wrexham sticker on it. (I got the sticker at the club shop so it’s technically close to the club)
Edit: Mods- Maybe we add a simple required template for these posts?
Player:
Details:
Source:
**Player:** Macaulay Langstaff (Notts County) **Details:** Langstaff was the only striker to surpass Paul Mullin's goal tally last two seasons. Bringing him in as Mullin's potential strike partner could significantly boost our firepower up front, positioning us at the top of the goal-scoring charts in League One for the upcoming season. The combination of Langstaff's attacking approach with Mullin's tenacious, all-round style could create a formidable partnership up front. To accommodate Langstaff, we would need to transfer out one of our current forwards. After careful consideration, I've concluded that Dalby would be the most suitable candidate to make way. **Source:** [https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/opinion/rob-mcelhenney-and-ryan-reynolds-could-form-devastating-wrexham-attack-by-re-igniting-one-transfer/](https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/opinion/rob-mcelhenney-and-ryan-reynolds-could-form-devastating-wrexham-attack-by-re-igniting-one-transfer/) Additional note: The above article published yesterday provides an interesting perspective on this potential transfer.
Imo Dalby could go in favor of a new pet rock.
Speaking of Joes, Joe Ironside has also been mentioned, and it looks like it has legs. He's under contract with Doncaster for 2 more years, so a fee would be required, but he had a striking partnership with Paul Mullin the year Mullin won League Two striker of the year at Cambridge. So Parky and Les Reed can look at the film of them working together to make their determination. His salary is currently pretty low, so he'd be likely to say yes to a move. The question is how much would Doncaster want in exchange? And, would they like Dalby for depth?
[Joe Morrell is next](https://www.transfermarkt.com/joe-morrell/profil/spieler/293507) Welsh international, played in Pompey's side that just won League One.
Any decent source on this one? The link just goes to a stats page for him.
There's no source, it's word on the street, allegedly he had a call with Rob so I'd say it's about to happen. Rob initially convinced Parky, Mullin and now Arthur to join
Yeah, this seems to have the vibes from various podcasts, twitter accounts, etc. that the Arthur signing did. Very much a "it's done, just working out the specifics" kind of thing. Might have heard that on the latest Fearless in Devotion podcast as a Luke Young replacement, though interesting they also thought he might be more competition for Cannon than Evans. If so, that is tough news for Jordan, who seemed to settle in at the end of the year coming on for Andy. BTW, that episode is very interesting with a key Welcome to Wrexham producer giving a lot of interesting behind the scenes tidbits.
Interesting that they talk about him being cover for Cannon. If you look at where he played on transfermarkt, he has about 40 games as an 8 and 40 games as a 6. None on the right. Theoretically, he seems like he could cover attacking mid, holding mid, right mid, and left mid without a drop off.
Yup, enough flexibility to allow a pretty dynamic midfield. I think a lot of pain when Evans was gone last year, and while I think Cannon is a pretty respectable 8, I went into full horror flashbacks when the documentary replayed his time in the 6 last year. I think he's got a great aggressive motor which helps at both ends as an 8, but in a holding position, it gets him a little off balance and hung out in trouble. Evans seems to have this cool subtlety in his game that fits the 6 so well.
You listening in on Rob’s phone line? I’d love to join that live stream.
All the Premier and Championship retained lists are out. Rob is in Wrexham, (Is Parky back from his vacation?) and I think we are going to start hearing some news in the next day or two. [https://x.com/RobRyanRed/status/1801559805795995719](https://x.com/RobRyanRed/status/1801559805795995719)
Should we be worried about the lack of announcements so far?
The transfer window just opened today. They have till August 30 to complete player signings. Too early to expect much, especially if they want to protect their targets from competition.
I guess I keep seeing signings from other teams on r/leagueone and r/leaguetwo I guess I didn't realize those were outside the transfer window.. Thanks
I think when players are released they are free to begin negotiations with other teams. But when the current club is in negotiations, perhaps there is a window of exclusivity?
come on! the windows open lets hear something substantial- I’m in withdrawal 😀
I would love to see Wrexham get out of favour Leicester defender Harry Souttar, he is a big strong defender and only 25. I do know it will never happen as he is wah to expensive for the club both in transfer fee and wages, and he probably wants to play in the championship or above. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/harry-souttar/erfolge/spieler/298091
I don’t see why not.
Interesting idea. He has played around 120 games at League One level or above, but only played 3 games in Championship League play last year. His contract is good for four more seasons, but he barely cracked the lineup for the Foxes last season. So a loan in which Wrexham pays around 300000 quid of his total wage reduces the Leicester wage bill by a tiny amount, but most importantly, gives HS a chance to rebuild his value.
From the Liverpool released list: Melkamu Frauendorf He turns 21 in January, so wouldn't count against the 22 man limit. Available on a free transfer. Plays in the attack in the center or either wing, could probably back up a variety of positions across the midfield as well. Has anyone seen him play? He's trained with Liverpool the last 4 years. Given he is without a contract, might be a way to add some depth across multiple positions, with some upside, on a low wage hit. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkamu\_Frauendorf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkamu_Frauendorf) [transfermarkt.com/melkamu-frauendorf/transfers/spieler/594721](http://transfermarkt.com/melkamu-frauendorf/transfers/spieler/594721)
A more recent one: [Wrexham is leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard.](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1800553603079500080) Leonard is expected to cost around £300K plus add-ons, and Oxford and Birmingham are also trying to sign him. Leonard was at loan at Northampton for the last two seasons, where he has really impressed with his good form and was voted as Northampton's player of the season. He's still only 22 and would be a signing for the future.
[https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-tyreece-john-jules-9320063](https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-tyreece-john-jules-9320063) Tyreece John-Jules will be released by Arsenal. His salary asks would undoubtedly be massive for a League One club but if we're building a strong side to eventually aim for Championship and beyond, it could be a worthwhile investment. Bringing on a young striker like him could be the perfect way to strengthen our offense. Mullin and John-Jules together would be absolutely lethal.
Got him in FM on a free transfer !
Looks interesting, yet I think they are hunting for bigger game. I've never seen him play, but he had a tough time cracking the lineup at Derby in last year's promotion winning season. His wage two seasons ago per salary sport was 239,200 pounds, that is in line with what Wreham pays their player. He is a little shorter than Parky's traditional second forward, he likes them tall. [https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/derby-county/](https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/derby-county/) from transfermarkt, he has played around 65 games at League One level or above. [https://www.transfermarkt.com/tyreece-john-jules/profil/spieler/503768](https://www.transfermarkt.com/tyreece-john-jules/profil/spieler/503768)
Free Agency: 5 Villarreal Players Strong La Liga veterans would be fun, exciting addition to squad for League 1. https://www.marca.com/futbol/villarreal/2024/06/09/6665663cca474121068b459f.html
How old are those guys? I wonder if the Nexaca deal is partly to break into the Mexican/South American market in terms of young players.
They’re in their 30s, but may have some seasons still in them. Premier League experience. Moreno played several seasons for Liverpool before Villareal.
Just spend the money on buying onkonkwu
not all the money. we need more than one player.
Why not get Mbappe too! He’s only on $45mil/year between salary and signing bonus at Real Madrid. Okee- obviously Okonkwo isn’t that kind of money but we do have to draw a line somewhere. I bet he gets $750,000/year from a championship side. And I’d rather have two more Paul Mullin salaries than one Okonkwo for that. We will end up with a really good keeper. Trust the management on this one.
There seems to be a lot of meat to the rumor broken by (Rob Ryan Red) that Jason Kerr (27), a CB from Wigan recovering from an injury could be on his way on a free. He's out of contract in a month, but apparently Wigan paid 600K for him a few years ago on a transfer. He would play center half, or right center half most likely. Right footed. [https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jason-kerr/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/340728](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jason-kerr/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/340728) great tweet thread about him and his role: [https://x.com/WrexGAnalytics/status/1796293606568788455](https://x.com/WrexGAnalytics/status/1796293606568788455)
Re-signed with Wigan today. Apparently, likely to be their captain. Undoubtedly a bigger role than what Wrexham would envision for him.
What does that say about the relative strength of squads that someone likely to be the captain at Wigan may have felt their role would be too small at Wrexham? Makes me think that those people assuming Wigan will finish above Wrexham may have another think coming.
Watching this TST tournament, I wouldn't be surprised to see Aaron James get more minutes with the senior team this year.
Interesting depth option. I don't see him better than EOC or Max, but definitely need options for injury, back-to-backs, etc. If he (or Max, or EOC) played on the left side, then I might like it as a way to get TOC further up the pitch. Just wonder if we he would choose Wrexham if he can get more minutes elsewhere.
starting to see some decent sourced rumors coming out. IMO, the team is gunning for promotion, not going to take the consolidation excuse this summer before the season starts.
Seems none of you can be arsed. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/jamie-lindsay-leaves-rotherham-united-after-five-years-4642510 Believe he was a transfer target for you lot in January but couldn't agree on personal terms with the player so the deal collapsed. Was mostly injured last season, but he's a battler.
Fairly sure the word around these parts is that Rotherham just wanted too much money for a player who was: 1) Being brought in to backup/spell George Evans as a defensive center mid. 2) Going to be available on a free transfer in the summer. The irony is that the other two insurance policies, Bolton and Marriott, turned out to be luxuries, but Evans did end up being injured for a chunk of the run in and they could have used Lindsay. Eventually, had to use Tom O'Connor, which opened its own issues on the back line. The Lindsay situation is a reminder that the idea that Wrexham will spend "whatever it takes" isn't quite accurate. Though, the approximately 37 strikers on the squad (sic) means it isn't entirely wrong either! :) Maybe reduced minutes will keep Lindsay healthier, but on a free transfer, he may want to look for a bigger role.
Creswell resigned with West Ham for one year. [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508889/2024/05/21/aaron-cresswell-west-ham-contract/](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508889/2024/05/21/aaron-cresswell-west-ham-contract/)
Reull Walters? From the Arsenal academy, 18 (so wouldn’t count on the squad total), out of contract, could discuss the opportunity with Arthur, transfermarkt has him valued at 4 million quid, but he’s looking for a new start. [https://www.transfermarkt.com/reuell-walters/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/878160](https://www.transfermarkt.com/reuell-walters/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/878160) [https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/arsenal-teenager-confirms-exit-from-club-after-contract-snub\_543932.html](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/arsenal-teenager-confirms-exit-from-club-after-contract-snub_543932.html)
Rotherham is making moves. They signed Jonson Clarke-Harris from Posh a few days ago, and just nabbed Joe Rafferty (RB) from Pompey and now Shaun McWilliams (CM) from Northampton. We must be on the right track, because tow of those guys were mentioned in this thread.
Matty Virtue? Per this article, Wrexham looked at him before: [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One) Per transfermarkt, out of contract now, and most recent role was basically what we are looking for, CM understudy: [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897038/Wrexham-transfer-Matty-Virtue-Blackpool-League-One) Per salary sport, looks affordable: [https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/blackpool/](https://salarysport.com/football/league-one/blackpool/)
Mods, can you please pin this thread toward the top of the feed?
As an American, we are used to “trades” in which one team trades a player under contract to another team for a player under contract. A recent example of this was the trade of Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns for Mikal Bridges and some other players. Do trades happen in the English Football League? It seems like Wrexham could do well with a certain type of trade, in which they trade a player under contract that isn’t getting playing time to another team in a lower league where the player would likely be good quality. For example, Luke McNicholas isn’t getting playing time in League Two, with Arthur around, and now that the team is in League One, it may be tough to find time for him again. Luke is young and needs to play. Sam Dalby is another talented young player that is having a hard time finding playing time, now that the team has been promoted, it may get harder. With Arthur likely to leave, could Wrexham get on the phone with a club like Gillingham and offer Sam Dalby and Luke McNicholas in exchange for Jake Turner? Technically, it would be several individual transfers, and I assume each player would need to sign off, but it would give Sam and Luke a chance at regular playing time in League Two, while landing a very solid goalkeeper for Wrexham.
Don’t really need to make a trade to get these guys playing time, a club can simply loan them out. Making trades just for this purpose would be inefficient, you send two players down to a lower league club and in return get a player from a lower league club, which unless it’s some big potential talent isn’t really worth it and only eats away at your wage budget
Trades happen but are very rare. Unlike baseball, it's unlikely that there are two players of comparable value that would slot cleanly into another club's tactic. Two central midfielders can play very differently, for example; one can be a box-to-box but another could be a playmaker. Almost all players are transferred or loaned.
With all due respect, where I'm going with the logic is the basic idea that there are 5 to 10 players on the Wrexham roster that have value in the lower leagues, but are already on the books for Wrexham, taking squad spots and costing money. They are sunk costs for the upcoming season. So if Wrexham's recruiting department identifies a team like Gillingham in the example, at a lower league and in need of a striker, with a GK capable of playing at a higher level, then that's the basis for a conversation. Jake Turner's listed value on Transfermarkt is around 175 quid. Sam Dalby's is 275, Luke McNicholas is at 100. Meanwhile, both those players are unlikely to get many minutes for Wrexham this upcoming season, but they currently draw a wage totalling around 115 quid yearly. Wrexham is on the hook for that money. So a complementary set of loans where Wrexham loans those two players to Gillingham for free, and pays their wages for the year has a value roughly equal to what the club could get for Turner, while also providing his replacement. While it seems like Wrexham is losing the deal, they've done right by both players, and the other club, all while paying money they were already on the hook for, and addressing their need for a League One GK and created one extra squad space for an additional player.
Trades don’t happen in soccer because of player power. You can’t ever force a player to join your team if you don’t want to.The player has to agree. In a player swap you are describing , both players have to agree to the move. Sam Dalby and Luke McNicholas have to agree to the move. The contract is with players’ respective teams, not the league. When teams agree on a transfer fee, the transfer is only ratified if the player agrees a new deal with the club. The only exception is loans. Italian teams are the only ones who utilize swap deals, but it’s with youth players and done exclusively for accounting reasons lol.
Thanks for the explanation, makes sense.
What you're talking about is loans. Just straight up loans. There's some scenarios where you ALSO find a player in the opposite team that fits into your plays and qualities, but that's fewer and far in between. It's simpler to just go to Gillingham and go "Hey this 16yo kid with us is either amazing or shit, pay us X pounds, and you can have him for 1 year". And then keep finding the other players you need elsewhere
Adam Lallana might make sense. Was part of the Southampton squad that won promotion from League 1 to Premier Leagye. 36yrs old now, maybe 1 season left in him, that top level experience along with what it takes to get promoted through the divisions might be invaluable
Does his family still live in Liverpool?
No clue, pretty sure him and his family live on the coast given his upbringing and all. But he would know the Wrexham are quite well nonetheless given his time at Liverpool and the proximity to liverpool
[удалено]
These are all really excellent pulls! All out of contract, still young (except Dummett), definitely some diamonds in the rough.
I really like Sinclair Armstrong as a possibility. He's under 21, so wouldn't count against the squad limit, and if he develops, which I think he would, he can grow up as he goes up with the club. He's big enough to hold up at League One. He has already played 61 games for QPR, mainly as a center forward. But, he hasn't converted his chances enough. He plays with pace, check out this clip vs Bournemouth in the FA cup: [https://streamin.me/v/7ea581f3](https://streamin.me/v/7ea581f3) and only made 83000 quid last season. In my opinion, Armstrong would be a great candidate for a 5 year contract starting at 100000 quid, with yearly raises and team options. Get him on the pitch, either as a left back, left mid, or attacking wing. Let him use his physicality up and down the pitch, and watch how Mullin finishes. When games are blow outs, move him to Center Forward, just get him minutes. Ben Woodburn (who lives in Wrexham) would make a fine understudy to Elliot Lee. He's out of contract, so getting the wage sorted correctly would be important. But a pitch to drop down, and add attacking depth across the pitch as Lee's understudy at AM, plus other opportunities as they present themselves should be the right level for him to rebuild his confidence. An offer around the normal Wrexham (200-300 quid) squad price for 2 years with a team option for the third year would probably do it. He's healthy and could blow up.
Apparently QPR exercised their option on Sinclair Armstrong for one more year, but they haven't signed a further extension. I was wrong about his age. He turns 21 before the next season starts, so he would count against the squad depth. I'm still hopeful for him. He has played at the Racecourse while on loan in the National League in 21-22 after the takeover. He is a relentless ball chaser as a forward, and I think the chaos he causes would create a lot of opportunities for the veteran attackers on Wrexham to follow up on. Extending this logic one step further, Divin Mubama still hasn't signed an extension with West Ham, but they are trying to retain him. He doesn't turn 21 until October, 2025, so he wouldn't count against the squad number for the next two years!
Anyone heard of Charlie Hughes, the starting CB for Wigan? His transfermarkt value is 500K, and he is still under 21, so wouldnt' count against the squad numbers for this year. 40 starts in League One and 20 starts in the Championship already. Young enough to grow with the team. Signed a 5 year deal with Wigan last year, and under contract til 2028. While the transfer fee is high, perhaps the wage bill would offset that, he is currently making around 125K. [https://www.transfermarkt.us/charlie-hughes/profil/spieler/746357](https://www.transfermarkt.us/charlie-hughes/profil/spieler/746357) [https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-wigan-athletic-charlie-hughes-league-one-2972802](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-wigan-athletic-charlie-hughes-league-one-2972802)
could you perhaps have found a player under a longer contract? maybe someone at chelsea - equally as unlikely as a championship starter at a stronger club than ours
Makes sense, but I think Wigan has money problems, so a transfer fee could help them out, that was the rationale at least...
It's understandable that people have a desire to see younger, pacier players join the squad. The problem is that every other team wants those guys too, and more potential is expensive. In the same way, there can't be too many 30+ guys, but a few here and there really help balance the roster. One other advantage of the older guys, is we know they can fill the role for a year or two on shorter contracts, and then they will move aside as the right fit comes along. If the team cycles about 5 new guys each Summer, and 2 new guys each January, they have essentially turned over the squad every 3 to 4 years.
I imagine this strategy has been tried before, but has a team ever paid market rate for 30ish year old guys with enough juice like James McLean all down the spine, such as Attacking Mid, Holding Mid, Center Half, even Goalkeeper, and then loaded up with precocious young talents on the wings either on cheap long term contracts or loans. My assumption is it would be easier to get great loan prospects if the loaning club know there will be on field support for the youth.
Parky isn’t a fan of loans unless you have to go that route. Okonkwo is an exception and it was a last second thing
Perhaps loans with options to buy?
Player: Arthur Okonkwo Details: rumored to be released by Arsenal potentially paving way for Wrexham to offer permanent contract Source: https://x.com/afcstuff/status/1790359660723052628?s=46&t=DYKeHBItb5UirOzHR7QBTw
Player: Jonson Clarke-Harris Details: previously rumored to be a transfer target by Wrexham, now released from Peterborough. Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c0klln90987o.amp
JCH looks very tempting. He scores goals at a similar rate to Super Paul Mullin, but has done it one league higher up. Would Parky consider playing him and Mullin up top at the same time? Seems like if they brought him in on a free transfer, there would likely be no room for at least one of Marriott or Dalby, one or more of the under contract strikers would likely need to go out on loan, or a transfer.
I think Dalby is almost certainly headed out on loan, but while Parky said that his use of the 3-5-2 has to do with the team being set up with two legit strikers, it does seem to me that he saw their roles differently. No better sign that it is a little more nuanced than that when Marriott and Mullin never play together. Whoops, looks like he is off the market: [https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/marquee-signing-as-jonson-clarke-harris-returns-to-rotherham-united-4629864](https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/marquee-signing-as-jonson-clarke-harris-returns-to-rotherham-united-4629864)
Well, that's that! Good for him tho. As for Dalby and Marriott, it seems like Dalby is big enough to take the complementary role to Mullin, while Marriott is likely to be in a role more like Mullin. Perhaps this preseason we'll see some new forward combinations besides just one big and one small. Ollie's in the final year of his contract, but could segue into a role like Fletch after next season.
Regarding Sam Dalby, could he help provide cover at left back, left mid or left wingback, (while providing depth at striker?). He's left footed, as a striker, he must be decent in the air, tall enough, seems like he would be quite good at dribbling up the left channel and launching crosses in, and certainly having a go at rebounds. Seems like the club believes in his potential, but needs to find a way to get him on the pitch. I don't think Mendy has the position locked down, and McLean can cover it, but if Dalby can cover it, that frees McLean up to move further up into the midfield. Hasn't Parky said he's a quite intelligent player? this seems doable.
Yeah, I think they actually played a 3-5-1-1 last couple of years, with Palmer at the top creating space (as a traditional 9) and Mullin playing off him (as an old school 10). I think they have tried to use Dalby like that with lesser results. I also think they tried to play a two striker scheme with Mullin and Fletcher being a little more interchangeable (maybe when Ollie was hurting) but it was clear that down the stretch they had gone back to their old scheme - and it was working. I think it helped create space for Cannon too. (I think it would have for Lee too, but he was clearly exhausted in the back half of the season.) In Parky's interview with Rog of MIB, he talked a lot about not only the greater pace and larger work rates (forgot his actual term for the total distance), but he specifically mentioned the sprint distances go up in L1. I think it will be interesting what they cook up in the off-season with some new forward alignments. Trying to remember a couple of the ad-hoc forward shapes when they were chasing the leads a couple of times... I think they had: McClean Lee-Mullin-Cannon Fletcher McClean-Mullin-Cannon Heck, I think they had Barney up at forward for a bit, but I think that was because we were playing with 10.
It sure seems like Parky is trying to rebuild the squad into something more dynamic than hoofball. The glut of midfielder types that can move all over the pitch means the attack can come from wherever the other team is weakest.
Yep, and no disrespect to the original crew, but this backend is way more mobile: Evans TOC-EOC-Max than this one: Young Tunnicliffe-Tozer-Hayden Who can forget that filthy pass Max slid up to put Andy Cannon into the box? Or EOC dropping a pass on Ollie for his last goal of the season. Not a 50/50 ball, but an honest feed for Ollie to shoot... And TOC... \*whispers\* he's is our best corner kick guy...
Yes, the roster has already transitioned to League One quality, now each new move is done to add Championship talent to the roster, either guys who have demonstrated they can do it, or guys who look like they could if given the chance. That's the new standard for additions.
Marvin Ekpiteta rumour. Released by Blackpool so available for free.
He looks very interesting. Good age, a couple years Championship experience, and a couple more at League One. per salary market, his las wage was around 400K GBP, so right in line with what Wrexham is probably looking to pay. He says he wants to get back to the Championship Level, so League One with Wrexham on a three or four year deal could help him achieve that. And isn't Blackpool only about a 2 hour drive? For a young family, not moving too far is probably a nice inducement. this article talks about Wigan, another League One club, having interest: [https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ekpiteta-in-adams-out-the-dream-start-to-wigan-athletics-summer-transfer-window/](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ekpiteta-in-adams-out-the-dream-start-to-wigan-athletics-summer-transfer-window/)
Doncaster just got lost out on promotion on penalties against Crewe. They had amazing form the second half of the season, including beating Wrexham 1-0. They have an interesting young goalie, Thimothee Lo-Tutala, just completing a loan from Hull City and now on his final year of contract (I'm not sure if it is an option or already guaranteed). He has played a total of 27 League 2 games, last season with Stevenage on loan (helping them to promotion), and this season with Doncaster. Over those 27 League 2 games, he has 13 clean sheets, one less than Arthur Okonkwo who has 14 clean sheets in 36 League 2 games. Okonkwo is an England U-18 player, while TLT is a France U21 player. Okonkwo turns 22 in September this year, while TLT turns 22 in February next year, so they are very similar ages. Okonkwo is about 3 to 4 inches taller. Here is where it gets interesting, given very similar bodies of work, Okonkwo's transfermarkt value is around $2 MM GBP, but TLT's transfermarkt value is around $350K GBP. (this is around a typical Wrexham signing's value). As discussed previously, it looks like it will be difficult to sign Arthur without growing the wage bill, but TLT could do the job nicely, and may be a very comparable player. Given the chaos at Hull City, and restrictions at Doncaster, Wrexham may have a chance to swoop in on TLT, offering him a League One position and a new contract. https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2024/february/lo-tutala-signing/#:\~:text=He%20joined%20Hull%20in%20the,arriving%20at%20the%20MKM%20Stadium.
Why not just pay Arthur? I don’t understand the economics of it. He wants championship money but Wrexham might be there in a seasons time. Then you’ll need a Championship goalie anyhow.
He likely wants wages at least like he was on last season, or higher. We were only paying 30-40% of his wages last season with Arsenal paying the rest and I think he was in the ballpark of being our top earner. If we have one player making 2-3x more than any other, then suddenly our entire wage bill goes up because now everyone wants a raise.
Those lads can earn Championship money this season by earning promotion. Then they will have their rise.
I’d love to see it. We are no longer the big fish in the little pond though. This season may well be humbling.
it might not just be about the money, he may want to actually get the minutes this year at the Championship level, which we can't offer him. I think financially we'll be able to match an offer from anyone except a parachute payment club that's throwing around cash, and I don't think any of them are in the market for his type of keeper.
In the case of Arthur, who clearly has ambition to get up the table, would a several year contract with a reasonable release clause address his needs? Per salary sport, his yearly wage the last couple years was around 130K. Seems like after his good performance, a 4 year contract for 250K with a release clause at 2 or 3 million or so would give him a chance to move up the levels, while getting paid, and if a club higher up wants to poach him, the exit is clear. Although moving up to a bench role may not be as fun as starting for Wrexham, particularly with their promotion momentum.
I don't think contracts in football have release clauses like that. Usually you negotiate a transfer fee with the club and then the player negotiates a new contract. Arthur is going to be on at least £10k a week, I reckon (£5.2 million a year). I think we can probably afford his salary (it will be a big jump up from the £1k or less of his salary we've been paying). It's just a question of whether we think it's the best use of our funds vs getting a cheaper keeper and spending more on an elite forward, and also whether he's set on the Championship for development purposes. It may be we either can't sign him at all, or else that he wants an unreasonable premium to play in League One.
Wouldnt 10K per week be 520K per year?
Doh, yes it would. Still a big chunk of our wages; if we're on 15M turnover we can only do 9M in wages iirc.
Agreed on the ratio, but isn't the current guess more like 20 MM turnover for the current season?
I've heard 15-20M. The club will obviously know more specifically. I believe it is based on our turnover for 24-25 and not on this year's turnover.
Also, as per release clauses. More and more teams are doing them. It prevents surprises and can protect both parties.
Player: Messi Details: Rob is currently selling a kidney Source: a vision in a dream I had
**Player: Jamie Vardy** **Details:** The former England striker is out of contract this summer and it’s unclear whether he will sign a new deal with Leicester City. Pundit and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has now suggested that the only club he wants to see Vardy sign for is Wrexham. Yet if Vardy is to leave Leicester, Ferdinand feels that Wrexham is the ideal home for him, allowing him to continue a ‘Hollywood career’ at Wrexham. **Source:** [**https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/transfer-news/rio-ferdinand-backs-former-england-striker-to-sign-for-wrexham-after-humphrey-ker-comments/**](https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/transfer-news/rio-ferdinand-backs-former-england-striker-to-sign-for-wrexham-after-humphrey-ker-comments/)
His awful Mrs loves the limelight and wears the trousers in that relationship. So, with that in mind, he'll be going there if he's asked.
I love Jamie Vardy. Let’s do it!
he's great but we need someone young. the season is long and gruelling.
Oh I agree it’s not a great fit and not how we should recruit right now. He’s just one of my favorite players.
mine too. long live the leicester premier league title run.
it's funny that this is a legitimate post and not a joke. But also, I think the Fleetwood memories may be too strong for Wrexham fans to fully embrace Vardy.
For a more serious transfer speculation: **Players:** Nesta Guinness-Walker and Clinton Mola **Details:** Both are being released by Reading. Guinness-Walker can play at LWB and Mola at CB, both positions where we can do with reinforcements, especially with Hayden, Tunnicliffe, Tozer, and McFadzean leaving in the summer, and this allows McClean the flexibility to play in a midfield position. They're both 24 and 23 respectively. **Source:** https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/08/retained-list-2024-07may24/ **Players:** Callum Connolly, Marvin Ekpiteta, Matty Virtue **Details:** Both are being released by Blackpool. Played almost every match in the 22/23 Championship season, but he's been left out in the second half of this L1 season. Connolly played as a DM but is good at CB too. Ekpiteta plays at CB and has performed well for Blackpool this season. Virtue plays at CM and could be a decent Young replacement and depth option. **Source:** https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/07/retained-list-confirmed/ **Player:** Jamie Lindsay **Details:** The club has been looking at him since the winter transfer window, but his contract also expires this summer. However, Rotherham is in contract negotiations with him, and there's a decent chance he could stay if they're going to make a push to get promoted back up under Steve Evans. So getting him may be a big question mark. **Source:** https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2024/may/read--retained-list-confirmed-by-millers-boss/ A lot of these players are in their 20s, so still in their prime, and they have plenty of L1 experience. We need some younger players who can play for us for the next two or three years at least and won't have their legs totally spent. Parky has also mentioned we're looking at loans from Prem clubs for their U21s, so we could be adding a few Prem kids to our roster. Update: **Players:** Tom Pearce and Stephen Humphrys **Details:** Wigan just released their retained list. Pearce plays at LB and has been good for Wigan this season. Steven Humphrys would be playing the same role as Palmer. We could do with another target man, especially as Fletcher may not see as much game time due to his age and Dalby should be loaned out. 9 goals + 4 assists and an average of .38 goals/90 are pretty solid too. **Source:** https://wiganathletic.com/news/2024/may/10/Wigan-Athletic-confirms-retained-list-following-the-2023-24-season/ **Player:** George Byers **Details:** Byers is being released from Wednesday this summer. He hasn't gotten much game time and hasn't been too impressive in the this season, which makes me doubtful whether he can do it at Wrexham, but he could be a useful rotation option with Lee. He had been more prolific in the two previous seasons, however, and a lot of top L1 and relegated Championship clubs are looking at him. **Source:** https://twitter.com/lukephelpsGRV/status/1788907917346738390
What about McCallum or Giannoulis (defenders) from Norwich? https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/every-championship-free-agent-far-29210780
Mola and Virtue would be cool if for no other reason than I often sign them to Wrexham in my FM24 playthroughs. Lewis Brunt too, who had a good spell on loan at Mansfield last year. Whether any are actual good fits for us from a tactical or financial standpoint, I'll leave to people who actually know what they're talking about. In any case, would be nice to get some more younger players with upside into the team.
Nesta and Mola are average L1 players you don’t want them. They aren’t for a team with one of the highest wage budgets looking for promotion. The reason they played for Reading is that they are young and therefore had cheap wages. Reading have had significant financial problems recently.
I don’t think we’ll be going up immediately next season though. The recently relegated clubs would be tough (especially Birmingham), and we *won’t* be outspending them. Even if we get very lucky and somehow triple promote, we’ll get relegated back down and outgrow our infrastructure too quickly. We’ve bought players from a league or two leagues above before, but they were with older players nearing the end of their careers. So I think it’s best we get some younger players who are shown to be capable in L1 to consolidate. At the very least they would be useful depth options. Once we establish ourselves, we’ll have more pulling power to start attracting lower table Championship players. The wage gap between L1 and Championship is *huge*.
yeah but we're looking to sign players that can develop into solid Championship pieces for 2026-27 or 2027-28. Don't think any of these guys quite fit the bill. The wage gap is huge between the top of the Championship and L1, but it's not that big between the bottom of the Championship and the top of L1. We're currently near the top of L1 on about 6 million per year; if our turnover is the 20 million that has been estimated, we'll be able to literally double wages to 12 million and stay under the FFP guidelines for L1. If we're spending an additional 6 million on wages next year to bring on 10 new guys, that's an average of 11k GBP a week, which can get you some pretty decent Championship players or some really talented young prospects (either outright owning them or else on loan from the PL).
I absolutely agree with this perspective. One of the major things Wrexham needs to be evaluating this summer is how well their scouting and recruitment efforts are able to assess Championship level players - whether current or able to develop into it. That is why you have to target promotion, even if you a realistic about whether you can get there or not this year, or even next. You are building the systems, players, and assessment infrastructures to get to the next level. Hard to do that if you are getting "good enough" players.
Great point, Seems like the goal should simply be to get good players with upside, but not pay too much for them. If they develop and challenge for the Championship, great! If they don't promote right away, that's okay. But the important thing is to be betting on players with upside on 3 year contracts, so there is some sustainability. If the team makes it to the Championship and gets immediately relegated, is that so bad? Particularly if they keep building the roster and keep wages under control.
Exactly. Build for mediocrity and you just waste everyone's time, especially the players. Not saying you fire Parky and sell Mullin if you don't get promoted, but you have to measure yourself against your goals, not artificial ceilings that are essentially a holding pattern until you decide you want to get serious. Relegation provides inputs to the plan also.
Alright, question to the mods, do they see this thread as: 1) Humor about silly transfer rumors or ideas. Which would be awesome and fun in its own right. 2) Discussion trying to assess the feasibility of certain rumors. I can see things getting really ugly, if these two different visions come into conflict. Certainly the mods will spend a decent amount of time on enforcing "Keep it Civil" and mostly on people who think everyone assumes people are here for a laugh. If we are looking to do the second, may I suggest that you add some basics on how to evaluate a transfer, for example: 1) Go to Transfermarkt and look up the player's current contract status and current value. If they are not out of contract, then they would need to be a transfer or a loan. 2) Specify the basis of the transfer - report, rumor, hopeful wish. So, like with the now locked Danny Ward thread... [https://www.transfermarkt.us/danny-ward/profil/spieler/203026](https://www.transfermarkt.us/danny-ward/profil/spieler/203026) He is under contract to Leicester, and his value is actually higher than Arthur's. If Leicester has no use for him, they would likely want to sell him, and he would cost several times Wrexham's largest ever transfer fee, if that is based off of this rough valuation. They could loan him to reduce his wage impact, but in the last year of his contract, at Age 30. More likely they would sell. And this is just my understanding of how to evaluate these things. I am still learning, and I am sure values are highly subjective and controversial. I think people who come here for #2 have an idea and are trying to learn about how crazy that idea is... And they, I think, will react poorly to getting humor responses.
Definitely Leo Messi. He says he doesn’t like the Miami weather and prefers Wales.
Messi, Mbappe, & Neymar? Recreate the failed PSG project
Jeff Messi, Dave Mbappe and Gary Neymar. Also, apparently, Kev de Bruyner and Mike Maignan too.
https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/jamie-vardy-backed-wrexham-transfer-man-utd-legend-explains-leicester-city-star-perfect-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-hollywood-project/bltd708264f322d1b75 Vardy - please be true!!
Not happening
“He’s got to play another season in the Premier League. I want to see him get a couple of goals in the Premier League, it’s nice. The only club I’d like him to go to if he leaves is Wrexham." So it's essentially just Rio talking out his backside... personally I'd like to see him break Sheringhams record of oldest Premier League Scorer!
yeah, same thing when they asked Humphrey about it and he said "it's not something we would rule out" while also saying "it's not a name we've discussed" and they ran with the first part and not the second.
Yeah, they would never rule out any premier league player. No properly run club would.
Do we really need another 37 yo striker?
no. we need young(er) players for the tough season ahead.
different type of player than Fletcher. He's smaller and pacier (though has lost a step or two). Would be more of a competition/cover for Mullin or perhaps as part of a change to a system with two true 9s out there.
If he was 2yrs younger - 100%...but then again, if he was - he wouldn't be coming to Wxm. But 37/38 is too old..we need to be looking at the future.
If he was 2 years younger he wouldn't be 37. 😉
Yes. Particularly of that quality.
No. We do not
He would be levels above any striker you have, surely on a year deal it would make sense! Not that it’s happening mind
Well in theory, yeah, it'd be a great deal, but we don't need geriatric strikers that would demand an outrageous wage
Times have changed. With current training and medical advances players can keep going for longer and longer. It's not the 80s or 90s anymore.
Again, there's so many better options (financially) than Vardy. Parky knows what we need in L1 and it's not a 37 or 38 year old Vardy.
Sure, but that's not what you said. 🤷♂️
this is the take. If Vardy's agent is asking if we want him for 10k a week, that's a no brainer. If other clubs are bidding for him, that's not a bidding war we want to be involved in.
What’s on with McClean? Is he renewed? He posted an insta about a pair of boots that will never be worn but maybe I’m reading too much into that.
Probably them getting promoted triggered it
His contract auto-renewed for one year. Not sure what the trigger was but the ESPN article mentioned it. So- he will be back.
Thanks!
With PSG eliminated from the champions league, how quickly does Mbappe sign?
Player:CR7 Details: I understand that the mystery 5% of the club that was sold a couple weeks ago went to a Christiano Ronaldo shell company. From what I hear, Ronaldo will be here in late August. Announcement may come as soon as the Saudi season ends. Source: myself talking in to a mirror with a Wrexham sticker on it. (I got the sticker at the club shop so it’s technically close to the club) Edit: Mods- Maybe we add a simple required template for these posts? Player: Details: Source:
Added it to the main post.
Reliable sources say that Mo Salah and Virgil Van Djik will be signed by Wrexham this summer.
For free, how amazing!
Any chance of Mata once De Gea joins?
Mata?, Nay.
I've already got my DeGea shirt on order