**Wrexham Set Sights on Fulham Captain Tom Cairney as Ambitious Transfer Plans Take Shape**
Wrexham AFC, propelled by its recent ascent to the Championship and Hollywood-backed ownership, is positioning itself for an audacious summer in the transfer market. Reports have emerged suggesting that the North Wales club has identified Fulham skipper Tom Cairney as its top target, signalling intent to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to the second tier after more than four decades.
The move, first reported by the Telegraph, would mark a statement of ambition as the club eyes stability—and perhaps even further success—at a higher level. Cairney, who currently wears the armband at Premier League side Fulham, is said to be in the early stages of talks with Wrexham. Should a deal be struck, the fee could eclipse the club’s record outlay of £2 million, spent on forward Sam Smith just months earlier.
The midfield maestro, aged 34 and capped twice for Scotland, has proven his worth in the Championship on several occasions, playing a central role in Fulham’s two recent promotions. Cairney has turned out 23 times in the Premier League this season and remains a pivotal figure at Craven Cottage. Such experience is likely to appeal to Wrexham, whose current roster is already sprinkled with seasoned top-flight campaigners.
Wrexham’s recruitment approach in recent seasons has involved bringing in players with considerable experience at higher echelons, as evidenced by the arrivals of James McClean from West Brom, Jay Rodriguez of former Southampton fame, and Steven Fletcher, who featured for Wolves and Sunderland. If Cairney does sign, he would fit that mould perfectly. The club is also reportedly tracking Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy, who is set to become a free agent.
Director Shaun Harvey, who sits on Wrexham’s transfer committee, has been candid about the club’s strategy in the upcoming window. Speaking on the ‘Fearless in Devotion’ podcast, Harvey highlighted the value of signings made on free transfers, suggesting that Wrexham’s first new arrivals this summer might not command a transfer fee. “Don’t be surprised if we start with players who are out of contract—those deals often offer the best value, despite competition for their signatures,” Harvey said.
Harvey also shed light on the complexities of signing players still under contract, reiterating the importance of securing the player’s interest before formal discussions with their clubs begin. He indicated that despite Wrexham’s growing global profile, they are by no means the only club in the market for Championship-level talent. “You need to do the groundwork to ensure the player genuinely wants the move,” he stated.
In contrast to the excitement of potential new signings, the club is also preparing for departures. Veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard announced he will depart upon the expiry of his contract next month, drawing the curtain on a memorable spell in North Wales. In an emotional statement, Howard reflected on his journey at Wrexham, expressing gratitude to the club’s high-profile owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as well as acknowledging the challenges faced during his tenure.
Howard’s farewell also served as a reminder of the close connections forged within the club since its dramatic resurgence—a narrative documented in the popular Disney+ series, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’. The team’s rapid rise from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons has attracted a growing legion of supporters from beyond Wales, and the club is keen to match this fervour with genuine ambition on the pitch.
As the summer unfolds and the retained list is finalised, Wrexham fans can expect further twists in the club’s transfer narrative. Whether the club succeeds in capturing Tom Cairney or other high-profile candidates remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that Wrexham intends to make its presence felt in the Championship both on and off the field.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal as manager Phil Parkinson seeks to mould a squad capable of meeting the challenges of England’s fiercely competitive second division. With the backing of passionate supporters and superstar owners, Wrexham’s story is set to add another compelling chapter in the months ahead.