The Red Dragons have some key decisions to make in the summer transfer window, not only in aiding Championship experience and raw potential signings, but also in determining who will exit the Racecourse ground.
AFC Wrexham narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship playoffs last season and the opportunity at the big time. Phil Parkinson is preparing for an even more competitive campaign, with Burnley, Wolves and London giants, West Ham, entering the league, bringing with them huge sums of transfer revenue available to spend on recruitment and from player departures.
Wolves and West Ham are expected to have a mass exodus following their unexpected relegations from the Premier League. The Hammer could generate up to 150m in player sales alone, while part is needed for profit and loss reasons, some will be used for recruitment. Wrexham, while having a large budget available, will need to be smart in their squad planning this summer to compete with the likes of West Ham and Wolves.
Parkinson has already expressed the need to “improve” his squad this summer, with the manager heading to North America for the World Cup on a scouting mission this summer. Wrexham are looking to improve the squad in a number of areas. As the squad is bloated, there will need to be some departures, with some that have been out on loan likely the first out the door in Wales.
The biggest name that has been out on loan is Paul Mullin; he did not make a competitive appearance for Wrexham last season, having spent time with Wigan Athletic, scoring five goals in 26 appearances before the move was cut short in January. He then joined Bradford City, where he made nine appearances. It’s likely Mullin moves on and ends his time with the club as a cult hero.
Elliot Lee enters the final year of his contract in Wales; similar to Mullin, he is expected to leave permanently. Former Wolves and Leicester defender Conor Coady has one year remaining on his contract and also looks likely for exit the door. The 33-year-old made just six appearances in all competitions.
Joining Wrexham as their record signing, Mo Faal is also entering the final year of his contract. Initially signing with high expectations, Faal hasn’t developed at the same rapid rate as the club has, leaving him out of favour, with a loan or permanent deal expected.
Phil Parkinson has already indicated that central midfielder Alex Moore will head out on loan again this summer following his loan move to Cymru Premier side Colwyn Bay last campaign.
Make no mistake about it, this summer will be another business one for Wrexham.
