**Wrexham Urged to Target Former England Stars as Manager Confirms Christian Eriksen Approach**
Wrexham AFC, buoyed by their recent promotion to the Championship, have found themselves at the centre of considerable transfer speculation this summer. The North Wales club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, reportedly made an ambitious move for Danish international Christian Eriksen, formerly of Manchester United, only to see their efforts rebuffed. Now, a former Red Dragons player has called on the club to shift their focus to free-agent former England internationals Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson, suggesting they represent more suitable targets for the team’s ambitions.
News broke last week that Wrexham attempted to bring the creativity of Christian Eriksen to the Racecourse Ground. The 33-year-old, following his release from Manchester United in May, is currently unattached. His agent, Martin Schoots, spoke positively about Wrexham’s project, describing it as “hugely impressive,” but confirmed Eriksen ultimately turned down the move in order to pursue opportunities at a higher competitive level as he enters the final years of an illustrious career.
Despite this setback, former Blackburn and Wrexham forward Matt Jansen insists the club should concentrate their efforts elsewhere, particularly on out-of-contract strikers Vardy and Wilson. Both players, who have experience at the highest level with Leicester City and Newcastle United respectively, are currently seeking new opportunities after their departures from the Premier League. Vardy, a Leicester icon with 26 England caps, and Wilson, who played nine times for his country, are widely recognised for their prolific goal-scoring capabilities.
Jansen, offering his insight to betting site OLBG, remarked on the importance of strengthening the squad’s spine if Wrexham wish to thrive in the Championship. He insisted that confidence, a strong core, and proven top-level ability are key components that could propel the club up the table. “They need a top-class goalscorer—someone like Vardy or Wilson who are both available and could arguably offer more immediate impact than Eriksen in terms of goals,” Jansen said.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has since confirmed the rumours surrounding their pursuit of Eriksen. Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Parkinson admitted initial contact had been made, but indicated discussions were relatively brief and didn’t advance to substantive negotiations. “There was a call, a bit of dialogue, but it stopped there,” he explained. “Obviously, everyone respects Eriksen’s talent and career, but that’s as far as it went.”
This summer, the club has been particularly active in the transfer market as it prepares for its first campaign in England’s second tier for over four decades. Wrexham have already announced six new signings, strengthening across all areas of the pitch. Notable additions include striker Ryan Hardie, goalkeeper Danny Ward, defender Liberato Cacace, midfielders George Thomason and Lewis O’Brien, as well as forward Josh Windass.
Yet, Parkinson has made it clear that the recruitment drive is far from over. With their Championship opener against Southampton fast approaching on 9 August, the manager remains on the lookout for additional signings to bolster depth and quality. “We’ve been linked with a huge number of players recently,” he shared. “If every rumour was true, I wouldn’t have had an hour’s sleep all month. Some reports have merit; others do not. Our aim is to quietly build a squad capable of representing Wrexham in this division.”
Observers note that, for all the excitement and speculation, Wrexham’s strategy under their celebrity owners has centred on ambition tempered with pragmatism. The club’s profile has risen sharply since Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover, with increased expectations both on and off the pitch, highlighted further by the continuing popularity of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docuseries.
As the new Championship season draws closer, all eyes will be on which players the club manages to attract. Whether they follow Jansen’s advice and secure a deal for a high-profile English striker, or spring another transfer surprise, Wrexham’s actions in the coming weeks could set the tone for their campaign—a campaign charged with hope, optimism and the desire to prove they belong among England’s footballing elite.