Both were signed to fire Wrexham to promotion but only one player will have a positive impact on Phil Parkinson’s side
Wrexham exit the January transfer window having bolstered their squad with three new signings ahead of their push for League One promotion.
Wrexham wanted a striker in the January transfer window and initially their efforts were rebuffed with moves for Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt coming to a disappointing end.
Wrexham confirmed the signing of winger Ryan Longman from Hull halfway through the window but Phil Parkinson desperately wanted fresh impetus at the top end of the pitch.
Eventually, the manager’s wish was granted and Wrexham signed Sam Smith from Reading before Burnley fans sent messages of goodwill for Jay Rodriguez as he was brought in for the League One promotion push.
Wrexham’s January transfer signings have made their squad stronger for League One promotion
There can be no doubt that Wrexham’s squad is stronger after the January transfer window ended than it was at the beginning of the month.
The signings of Longman, Smith and Rodriguez have added depth to the squad but also quality and experience from a higher-level.
Longman will provide pace and energy from the flanks and his versatility will come in great use to Parkinson during the remainder of the season.
Whilst in Smith and Rodriguez, the club have acquired two strikers who know how to lead the line by occupying defenders and putting the ball in the back of the net when required. One of the strikers will have more of an impact at the Racecourse Ground than the other however.
Sam Smith will outperform Jay Rodriguez for Wrexham this season
Smith will have the greater impact on Parkinson’s side given that he is more suited to Wrexham’s style of play and has youth on his side.
Smith is just 26 years of age and still arguably has his best years ahead of him, whereas Rodriguez is similar to Steven Fletcher in that he in entering the twilight of his career.
Whilst Rodriguez will bring a wealth of experience and consistency to the Wrexham squad, in terms of being a level-raiser on the pitch, Smith looks better equipped with his 11 league goals already this season.
Both strikers will play their part from now and the end of the season and Parkinson has many options and combinations to choose from in the striker department – he just has to find the right balance to the side.
Wrexham had a productive winter transfer window but one call made this season may lead to summer arrivals proving difficult.
Wrexham ended the 2025 January transfer window with three new faces arriving at the Racecourse Ground.
