Evolution, not revolution? Wrexham's transfer plans

For the first time since 2022, Wrexham are preparing for a season in the same division they were in the previous campaign.

After an historic run of three successive promotions which took the club from non-league to the Championship, Wrexham narrowly missed out on a play-off place which could have taken them to the Premier League.

As it was, seventh in the second tier represented the highest finish in the club's history – a highly creditable effort.

Manager Phil Parkinson has vowed his team will come back stronger and, with the financial muscle that comes with their Hollywood ownership, plenty will be backing the Welsh club to mount another challenge for the top six next season.

BBC Sport Wales assesses how Wrexham hope to set the foundation for another promotion tilt this summer.

Parkinson has overhauled his squad after every promotion but, following last summer's latest rebuild, this off-season might be a gentler evolution.

A large squad will need trimming, so several players can expect to leave.

Once that's done, the question will be how Wrexham go about improving what they have already.

A lack of pace needs addressing, while more dynamism could help in midfield, where injuries took their toll this season.

Parkinson rarely deviates from his favoured wing-back formation, but could signing a different kind of forward – quick, able to play wide – open up the possibility of a Plan B?

Given his formidable track record, Parkinson has earned the right to do things his way.

This might be a summer of fewer comings and goings, but Wrexham will be ready to spend heavily if they feel the need to.

Jay Rodriguez and Andy Cannon have departed after their contracts expired, and there are plenty of others on the books who look destined to leave.

Two leading figures of Wrexham's rise through the leagues, Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee, each have a year left on their contracts but spent much of this season on loan at other clubs.

Their exits would be significant in a symbolic sense – given the roles they have played – but not surprising considering how they've become fringe players.

England international centre-back Conor Coady and ex-Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie only joined last summer, but their futures are also uncertain having been sent out on loan this season.

Parkinson has shown he can be ruthless, offloading players and replacing them as Wrexham adapt to new standards with each promotion.

Mullin and Lee are in a different category to Coady and Hardie, but all four will know there is no room for sentiment as Wrexham look to cut their bloated squad.

Right wing-back Issa Kabore will need replacing if he does not return following the completion of his loan spell from Manchester City.

Wrexham may also have to fend off interest in defenders Callum Doyle and Max Cleworth, both of whom have been tipped to attract offers following their impressive campaigns.

Parkinson is wedded to playing three at the back. Successful as that has been in recent years, he may need to evolve a little if Wrexham are to get to the Premier League.

The strong emphasis on that system means there are no real wingers in the squad, which lacks pace in general.

With that in mind, a speedy forward or wide player would be a welcome addition, as would a wing-back or two should Kabore not return and Liberato Cacace struggle with injuries on the other flank again.

Having come close to signing a wing-back and striker in the January transfer window, Wrexham may well revisit both those positions.

Indeed, Parkinson has signed numerous strikers during his tenure, so it would be no surprise to see Wrexham add there again, particularly with Kieffer Moore turning 34 in August.

Goalkeepers

Danny Ward (under contract until 2027), Arthur Okonkwo (2027), Callum Burton (2027).

Defenders

Callum Doyle (2029), Max Cleworth (2029), Zak Vyner (2029), Liberato Cacace (2028), Dom Hyam (2027), Lewis Brunt (2027), Tom O'Connor (2027), Dan Scarr (2027), Ryan Barnett (2027), Aaron James (2027), Conor Coady (2027), Sebastian Revan (2027).

Midfielders

Ben Sheaf (2028), Lewis O'Brien (2028), George Dobson (2028), George Thomason (2028), Ollie Rathbone (2028), Matty James (2027), Ryan Longman (2027), Elliot Lee (2027), Harry Ashfield (2027).

Forwards

Nathan Broadhead (2029), Bailey Cadamarteri (2029), Davis Keillor-Dunn (2029), Josh Windass (2028), Sam Smith (2028), Kieffer Moore (2028), Ryan Hardie (2028), Paul Mullin (2027), Mo Faal (2027).