Wrexham Boss Phil Parkinson Has Revealed the Type of Players He Wants Ryan Reynolds to Sign for League One

Following the high of a historic back-to-back promotion, it’s business time for Phil Parkinson. The Wrexham boss admitted the EFL League One is a ‘big test.’ As such, the upper management has already set out a transfer strategy. The Red Dragons have been linked with a host of names, none bigger than Premier League legend Jamie Vardy. However, Parkinson states that not all players are welcome to STōK Cae Ras. In addition to being an outstanding soccer player, the manager wants to see a particular quality in his incomings.

The English manager told BBC Sport, “You’ve got to have a certain courage to play in front of a full house every week.” He also talked about the balance Wrexham should strike while recruiting new players. Parkinson revealed, “Yeah, I’m a good player. I want to be part of this’ but equally remaining humble at the same time.” Nobody can have qualms regarding the recruitment approach, considering how successful previous transfers have been.

Even the names linked this season have been players with exceptional character. Arsenal star Arthur Okonkwo, on loan at Wrexham last season, is a manager’s favorite. Leicester City star Jamie Vardy remains reportedly interested in joining the club. Notably, Vardy stayed with the Foxes after relegation and helped them gain promotion back. This would have hugely impressed Parkinson.

Wrexham’s approach to filtering players based on character is a fine strategy. Yet, that is not the only constraint on signing players. Money doesn’t grow on trees at Racecourse ground, and the Welsh club has a well-defined strategy for the transfer window.

How much can Wrexham spend in the 2024-25 season?

The official Wrexham website states that the club is eligible to spend 60% of its annual wage turnover for the upcoming season. In 2023, the club registered around $12 million in turnover wages. As per the 60% constraint, the Red Dragons has a budget of around $7 million for the coming season. This is more than enough to strengthen their already impressive squad and get their reported targets.

There have been reports that Wrexham is targeting League Two Golden Boot winner Macaulay Langstaff. Last season, the striker scored 28 goals in 46 games. Notably, Wrexham’s star striker Paul Mullin could only muster 24. Hence, following their promotion, the Welsh club aims to bring Langstaff to partner Mullin next season. The transfer won’t come in cheap and would cost more than the $440k paid for Ollie Palmer, the club’s most expensive signing ever.

But, with a budget of $7 million, Ryan Reynolds and Co. have what it takes to add all the necessary firepower.