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Wrexham are hoping to continue their historic rise up the English football divisions, and the summer transfer window will be imperative to the Red Dragons’ prospects.
After Wrexham made history with successive promotions, the Red Dragons will be hoping to maintain that trend within the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
However, if Phil Parkinson’s side are to do the unthinkable and clinch another jump up the divisions, the Red Dragons’ squad will need to be improved significantly.
Throughout the summer transfer window so far, Wrexham have been linked with a plethora of high-profile targets, ranging from League One to Premier League talents.
Here, EFL Analysis outlines five summer signings Parkinson must recruit to the Racecourse ahead of next season.
Five Wrexham summer signings Phil Parkinson must make
Maksym Talovierov
Following the relegation of Plymouth Argyle to League One conspiring in the same season Wrexham finished runners-up in the third tier, a move is open for Plymouth central defender Maksym Talovierov, and he is one Wrexham should pounce on.
The towering Ukrainian could not help Argyle stem the tide of relegation, but was outstanding in the Championship under Miron Muslic, notching three goal contributions in 13 appearances in all competitions, including a deft header against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Talovierov is now one of the best players relegated to League One that second tier sides should swoop for, and given his physical profile, resolute defensive displays, and aerial threat, he would be an immense addition to the Red Dragons’ backline.
Lynden Gooch
Championship free agent Lynden Gooch is another that Wrexham should sign this summer, following his release from Stoke City this summer.
Sunderland academy product Gooch would offer the Red Dragons versatility in full-back and midfield roles, Premier League experience and tenacity both in and out of possession.
Parkinson knows Gooch’s ‘immense quality’ following his time at the Stadium of Light, during which Gooch enjoyed his most productive season in front of goal for the Black Cats, scoring ten goals and assisting twice in 30 appearances during the 2019/20 League One campaign.
If Parkinson can persuade the USA international to make the Wrexham move, it would be a sensible acquisition for the Red Dragons hierarchy to make.
Aaron Cresswell
Aside from Gooch, another full-back and free agent that Wrexham should sign this summer is Aaron Cresswell, following his release from West Ham United.
Wrexham have been interested in Cresswell throughout the summer, and the Englishman would show the club’s lofty ambitions.
Cresswell is precisely the calibre of signing that the Red Dragons must make this summer. His leadership qualities and top flight experience would be a major benefit to Parkinson’s squad next season, in what is lining up to be the greatest Championship campaign yet.
- READ MORE: Dream Wrexham summer transfer window as Premier League forward and Championship ‘warrior’ sign
Tommy Doyle
Moving into midfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers outcast Tommy Doyle would be an impressive coup for the Red Dragons, if they can beat Birmingham City to his signature.
Doyle was set for crunch Wolves talks with boss Vitor Pereira this summer, and now he appears to be on the move after those, with Birmingham favourites to land Doyle ahead of Wrexham.
The technical quality and potential to develop exhibited by the former Sheffield United loanee prove why Wrexham must beat the Blues to his signature this summer, and boost their central midfield ranks.
Jamie Donley
Apart from Doyle, Birmingham and Wrexham have eyed Joe Gelhardt as a target this summer, but following Ryan Hardie’s Wrexham transfer, there is another option that presents better value for the Red Dragons.
Wrexham must target Jamie Donley instead after he spent last season on loan at League One Leyton Orient from top flight Spurs, and scored eight goals with 11 assists during his breakout EFL campaign, including a wonder goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
His outstanding season led to Richie Wellens singing the 20-year-old’s praises. As per the Belfast News Letter, the Leyton Orient boss said of Donley: “He has been outstanding. Going forward Championship will be minimum for him.”
Donley was far more productive than Gelhardt last season, scoring three more and assisting ten more than the former Hull City loanee, and would be an exceptional acquisition to battle Elliot Lee for the number ten role.