Wrexham has been battling hard in League One, with six goals in their last five matches. Phil Parkinson, the mastermind behind the Red Dragons’ rise from the National League to League One, knows the importance of strengthening the squad. With the January transfer window approaching, Ryan Reynolds’ side may be gearing up to sign a reliable number 9. Even football pundit Jamie Carragher couldn’t help but praise Wrexham’s special 22-year-old target boy.

Can they find the firepower to fuel their Championship dream? Currently sitting in third place with 42 points from 21 games, Phil Parkinson’s position is impressive. Yet, the recent struggles in front of goal are hard to ignore. Two back-to-back draws against struggling League One teams have cost them four vital points. Many names have been offered to Ryan Reynold’s side but it will be interesting to see which name finally lands in Wrexham.

Wrexham has been busy exploring options for the January transfer window, with Patrick Bamford initially catching their eye. The Leeds striker, struggling for minutes under Daniel Farke, seemed like a perfect fit for the Welsh side. But as the days go by, hopes of signing Bamford appear slim.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey recently shed some light on Wrexham’s plans. Speaking to The Wrexham Insider, he hinted at the possibility of the club “raiding Leeds” for Gelhardt. “I do expect Wrexham to do something and I am actually told they could raid Leeds for another player, as they like Joe Gelhardt, although they are not alone and it would not easy to land him either.”

Gelhardt’s talent is no secret. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been vocal about his admiration for the youngster, calling him a “special talent” back in 2022. Having watched him closely during his Wigan Athletic days, Carragher’s praise speaks volumes. “He’s a special, special talent. He’ll be remembered now for this big goal, but I can assure you, he is a lad we will be talking about a lot in a few years’ time, he really is.”

Could Wrexham be the perfect stage for Gelhardt to show his potential? As the January window inches closer, while Wrexham’s ambitions soar, here’s why Patrick Bamford’s move to the Red Dragons seems out of reach.

Why Patrick Bamford’s move to Wrexham is unlikely?

However earlier this month speaking to BBC Sport Leeds boss Daniel Farke believes Patrick Bamford is regaining his confidence and sharpness, making him a potential key player in the penalty area. “It’s the first time in a while he’s three to four weeks without injury. In training his confidence is coming back.”

Farke hinted at giving Bamford more opportunities if he impresses in training, suggesting a January exit is unlikely. “Patrick with experience and smart movements in the box is a good solution when you need a goal. I’m quite grateful he’s in a good period where he’s training more and more. When you convince in training you have more chances to get more minutes – and you have to use minutes.”

Although the owners of Wrexham have substantial financial support, the price and Bamford’s injury history make a January transfer seem unfeasible for the League One team. According to Capology, Bamford presently makes $87,500 per week. While Gelhardt, for instance, makes $18,750 per week, which is far less than what a League One team would pay.

With competition heating up, fans are left wondering, will they secure the reinforcements they need to chase promotion? Or will they miss out on their top targets?