A key reason behind Wrexham’s promotion to EFL League One was their defensive foundation. Across 46 games this campaign, the Red Dragons conceded just 52 goals! An immense feat, considering how the side just got promoted from the National League. The major contributor to their rock-solid defense was goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The Arsenal star joined, impressed, and made it to the Team of the Year. You don’t normally fall in love with loan players but Okonkwo is a cult figure at the STōK Cae Ras. However, the Englishman had his doubts regarding the move at first and might not have graced Racecourse ground if it wasn’t for that conversation with Phil Parkinson.

In season 3 of Welcome to Wrexham, Okonkwo revealed his initial hesitation after visiting the club. He said, “When I first arrived, I was like, “I’m not too sure.“” Though the 22-year-old had taken note of the club’s National League Heroics and their global exposure, he wasn’t convinced. Okonkwo wanted to speak with the manager and goalkeeping coach. He explained, “I always make my moves with how I feel.”

This is where Phil Parkinson came into the picture. Okonkwo revealed, “When Phil spoke to me, I knew, yeah, this is the right move for me.” In fact, the manager has become such a big fan that he wants Wrexham to ‘give it everything‘ to bring in the goalkeeping ace. Arsenal’s position is still not known but Wrexham’s current circumstances mean the side doesn’t have much bargaining power.

Wrexham running thin on goalkeepers!

In the just-concluded season, Wrexham had 3 first-team goalkeepers. Besides Arthur Okonkwo, there was Mark Howard and Rob Lainton. But, the issue is that Rob Lainton is no longer part of the first-team squad. He was a part of the 8 players recently released by the club. And it is not a decision that came out of the blue. Last season, the goalkeeper didn’t play in a single match!

The other option for the goalkeeper position is the tried and tested Mark Howard. Notably, Howard was the main between the sticks during Wrexham’s National League campaign. However, Okonkwo was considered as an upgrade and that was why Howard was relegated to the bench.

Moreover, at 37, Howard might not be the long-term solution that Ryan Reynolds and Co would be looking at. Hence, it is a necessity that the Red Dragons resolve their goalkeeping situation as soon as possible. If not, Okonkwo, another impressive keeper has to be brought in. After all, League One is a sizeable step up in quality to what Wrexham faced this time around.