Wrexham are yet to get their summer transfer window kick-started and manager Phil Parkinson has explained why they have had some ‘complications’.
Wrexham’s biggest issue this summer isn’t attracting talented players to the club; it’s the current size of their squad.
The Reds handed veterans Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard new contracts this week, and although solid business from the club, it has taken their squad size to a total of 21 senior players.
Phil Parkinson can only name a squad of 22, as per EFL rules, with the Wrexham boss needing to sell more of his fringe players this summer despite letting the likes of Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe depart.
It places Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds in a difficult position as while they’ve got one of the biggest budgets in League One, squad size is limiting their ambition and now, Parkinson has explained another ‘complication’ he’s had.
Phil Parkinson explains ‘complications’ Wrexham have had
Wrexham remain committed to bringing in players that will improve what is already a strong squad heading into their first League One campaign in 19 years.
The Welsh side have been linked with a whole host of players and seen approaches rejected for Wigan’s Jason Kerr and free-agent Conor Hourihane, who instead signed for Barnsley.
To improve their current best starting XI, Wrexham will have to pay fees for players that are under contract elsewhere and Parkinson hasn’t found that straightforward.
Speaking to The Leader, the 56-year-old said: “Talks are on-going with players. The aim is to get the right players to add to the squad we’ve got already.
“Quite a few of the players we have been speaking to are under contract or have got a year left at clubs. Obviously that adds complication because there’s fees involved for those players.
“There are a lot of different scenarios of play but hopefully we will get the players in that we can add to the quality we’ve already got.”
Which players can Wrexham sell this summer?
Parkinson has encountered frustrations in landing players who are contracted to their clubs, and that explains why there has been a lack of activity at Wrexham.
Once it reaches the beginning of July, they will have a better idea of where most players’ futures lie but until then, there are some they consider offering to other sides.
Striker Billy Waters doesn’t have a future at Wrexham while Jake Bickerstaff and Sam Dalby need either loaning out or selling permanently, especially with the latter’s contract expiring in 2025.
Anthony Forde is also another player who could be sanctioned this summer as it’s unlikely he’ll get much game time with Ryan Barnett and Luke Bolton ahead of him in the pecking order.
As Wrexham head into the third tier, the above-suggested players to sell will have their game time restricted and it’s best if they’re moved on so Wrexham can invest elsewhere.
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