With 19 goals in 17 games, Oxford United is now ahead of Wrexham in the fierce competition to sign a midfield talent valued at £3,000,000.
While Phil Parkinson attempts to bring in vital acquisitions for life in League One, Wrexham is still being connected to new players.
With some formidable additions made in the summer, Wrexham dominated League Two.
Arthur Okonkwo, George Evans, Steven Fletcher, James McClean, and Wrexham all contributed to the team’s back-to-back promotions.
Now that the summer transfer window is upon us once more, Wrexham must once more increase recruitment.
Transitioning from the National League to League Two is one thing, but Wrexham needs reinforcements after making a rapid turn to League One.
Although Phil Parkinson will undoubtedly have targets in mind, it appears that one player will be at the center of a serious trade saga.
Wrexham versus Marc Leonard
According to reports earlier this week, Wrexham is interested in acquiring Marc Leonard, a midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The gifted Scottish player just completed two seasons on loan with Northampton Town, where he turned up some incredible performances.
After assisting Northampton in their 2023 League Two promotion, Leonard went on to establish himself as a top-tier midfield player in League One.
Returning to Brighton, it was reported that the Seagulls will take Leonard this summer for about £300,000.
Wrexham’s record transfer cost would be matched by that agreement, although Parkinson will undoubtedly have competition to sign Leonard.
According to Andy Naylor of The Athletic, Oxford United is also interested in signing Leonard.
Leonard could be given the opportunity to go to the Championship by Des Buckingham’s team, who just secured promotion from League One.
Wrexham won’t have an easy time defeating Championship teams, but interesting trades have happened throughout the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era.
Wrexham has demonstrated the will and capacity to compete with ostensibly “bigger clubs,” and they have successfully recruited players from higher divisions.
Since Leonard has shown he can succeed in League One and League Two, perhaps the Championship is the next step for him. However, the Wrexham idea is too compelling to pass up, and the team will make a real effort to battle Oxford United and other teams for new players.
This summer, who else is Wrexham after?
Arthur Okonkwo is the only target that is positively confirmed.
The massive goalkeeper is leaving Arsenal this summer as a free agent after having an incredible season on loan at Wrexham.
Wrexham wants Okonkwo back again, as revealed by Phil Parkinson and Humphrey Ker, although there will be tough competition for his services.
In addition to Leonard and Okonkwo, Wrexham has been connected to three additional players, all of whom were released by the same club
According to reports, Wigan Athletic released Josh Magennis, Stephen Humphrys, and Tom Pearce, and Wrexham wants them all gone.
At left wing back, Pearce would compete with Jacob Mendy, while Humphrys and Magennis provide League One experience as offensive possibilities.
Wrexham is also interested in center back Marvin Ekpiteta, who was released by Blackpool this summer.
Despite competing interest, Wrexham still has a lot of pulling power at the STōK Cae Ras, but landing all six of Okonkwo, Ekpiteta, Pearce, Leonard, Humphrys, and Magennis is a difficult ask.
