Phil Parkinson already knows Wrexham’s next transfer priority after landing Arthur Okonkwo
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will be looking to improve his squad ahead of the 2024/25 League One campaign.
It has been a successful couple of years for Wrexham with the Red Dragons securing back-to-back promotion seasons on their rise to League One.
Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be aiming to keep the journey going again this year. They have supported Phil Parkinson with big singings of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee, James McClean, and Steven Fletcher.
After being promoted from League Two, it was clear that one priority position was needed this summer.
This week, after a quiet couple of months, Wrexham sprung into life in the transfer window with a statement transfer of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Okonkwo, 22, spent last season on loan from Arsenal at the Racecourse.
After impressing during his spell in North Wales, the Red Dragons faithful were eager for the club to turn his temporary stay into a permanent transfer.
Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham celebrates after Paul Mullin of Wrexham scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham…
Phil Parkinson must target attacking reinforcements at Wrexham
After securing Okonkwo to a three-year deal, Parkinson’s number one spot is covered, especially with the veteran Mark Howard also signing a contract extension to be his backup.
The English boss must now turn focus to his defensive options. Wrexham’s preferred formation consists of three centre-backs, with wing-backs to provide width in the attack.
Since the 56-year-old arrived at the Racecourse, defenders Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden were key members of his defence.
After securing promotion back to League One, several players were let go after seeing their contracts expire.
Hayden and Tozer did not have their contracts extended. The defenders have joined Carlisle United and Forest Green respectively.
The North Wales club does have some good options already at the club with likes of Tom O’Connor, Eoghan O’Connell, and Will Boyle all playing a big part in Parkinson’s side.
However, with the step-up in quality, strength in depth will become vital for Parkinson’s side in their first League One campaign in almost 20 years.
Is youth the way forward for Parkinson?
It is likely that defensive reinforcements will arrive in North Wales this summer.
Wrexham have previously targeted Wigan Athletic defender Jason Kerr before the 27-year-old committed his future at The Brick Community Stadium.
It remains to be seen who Parkinson will opt for in the market, but the Welsh side do have a variety of youth players committing their future to the club.
For example, just this week, young defenders Aaron James and Harry Dean extended their stay at the Racecourse.
They may be the future of Wrexham’s defence, but it will be a plan for them to integrate into the squad in seasons to come.
Parkinson will know youth is an option with Max Cleworth showing in recent seasons that the academy should play an important part in their ambitious journey going forward.
