Wrexham made an eye-catching return to League One football last weekend when they battled their way to a 3-2 win against Wycombe Wanderers.
The win over the Chairboys marked a new high point in the Welsh club’s rise up the football pyramid as the ambitious plans of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue to drive Phil Parkinson’s side forwards. Academy product Max Cleworth opened the scoring and goals from Jack Marriott and former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher ensured the Red Dragons made a positive start to the season.
A number of Parkinson’s summer signings were in the squad that claimed the three points against Wycombe but there could be further new additions before the summer transfer window comes to an end on the final Friday of August. But who could join Wrexham before that time? We fired up Football Manager 2024 to see how the world’s most popular managerial simulation predicts the remainder of the window will play out for Parkinson and his squad.
Goalkeepers
There was no new changes to Wrexham’s keeper ranks as the virtual Parkinson ventured into the season with the same three senior goalkeepers as the real-life Dragons boss.
Parkinson’s goalkeeping options: Okonkwo, Burton, Howard.
Defenders
There were no outgoings from the defensive options but there was a significant incoming as Wrexham won the race to sign Manchester United defender Will Fish on a season-long loan. Although several Championship and Scottish Premiership clubs were keen on the Red Devils youngster, it was Wrexham that secured his services and the move will become a permanent switch next summer.
Parkinson’s defensive options: Scarr, Brunt, O’Connor, Boyle, O’Connell, Cleworth, James, Revan, Mendy, Bolton, Fish
Midfielders
The one departure from the midfield ranks saw Anthony Forde joined League One rivals Wigan Athletic in a 100k deal and he was replaced by another loan signing from Manchester – but this one saw City youngster Jacob Wright agree to spend the entire season as part of Parkinson’s squad. However, there is no option for a permanent deal and he will return to the Etihad Stadium next summer.
Parkinson’s midfield options: Dobson, Evans, Rathbone, James, Cannon, Barnett, McLean, Lee, Wright
Forwards
Now this is where the real change comes as Parkinson enjoyed something of a clearout of his options in the final third. Firstly, Sam Dalby and Jake Bickerstaff made respective season-long loan moves to Rochdale and Solihull Moors. There was a permanent exit for Billy Waters as he joined National League club Hartlepool United for a fee of £50k. There were two new arrivals at the top end of the pitch as Jonathan Leko arrived from former League Two rivals MK Dons and former Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts was signed from Birmingham City. The newly arrived duo came in for a combined £1m.
Parkinson’s forward options: Mullin, Marriott, Palmer, Fletcher, Leko, Roberts
In
Rathbone (£300k from Rotherham United), Okonkwo (free from Arsenal), Dobson (free from Charlton Athletic), Burton (free from Plymouth Argyle), Scarr (undisclosed from Plymouth Argyle), Brunt (undisclosed from Leicester City), Revan (undisclosed from Aston Villa), Leko (£250k from MK Dons), Fish (loan from Manchester United), Roberts (£750k from Birmingham City), Wright (loan from Manchester City)
Out
Hayden (free to Carlisle United), Young (free to Cheltenham Town), Tozer (free to Forest Green Rovers), Tunnicliffe (free to Solihull Moors), Butler (free to Marine), Cushion (free to Prescot Cables), Davies (loan to Grimsby Town) McNicholas (free to Rochdale), McFadzean, Lainton (both released), Dalby (loan to Rochdale), Waters (50k to Hartlepool United), Forde (£100k to Wigan Athletic), Bickerstaff (loan to Solihull Moors)
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