**Wrexham Aim High: Premier League Names Linked With Ambitious Transfer Plans**
After securing a remarkable return to the Championship, Wrexham AFC are now actively targeting seasoned Premier League talent in a bid to cement their status in English football’s second tier. Co-owner Ryan Reynolds, alongside business partner Rob McElhenney, is reportedly backing an aggressive recruitment drive that could see some notable names join the North Wales club this summer.
With survival and stability the utmost priorities following their latest promotion, recruitment efforts appear to be focused on experience. Among those on the club’s radar are two ex-West Ham United stalwarts: striker Danny Ings and left-back Aaron Cresswell. Both players have wrapped up their time in East London following the expiration of their contracts, rendering them free agents open to new challenges.
For Wrexham, the pursuit of such established players signals clear ambition. While both Ings and Cresswell are nearing the twilight years of their careers, their wealth of Premier League experience could prove invaluable. Ings, whose move to West Ham from Aston Villa two years ago was worth £12 million, struggled for game time and goals in his final season, but remains a proven goalscorer at multiple levels. Cresswell, on the other hand, departs West Ham after nearly a decade of loyal service, potentially providing Wrexham with a blend of top-flight know-how and leadership.
Under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham are also eyeing reinforcements in goal. One name gaining traction is Welsh international Danny Ward. Currently a free agent after leaving Leicester City, Ward has amassed 44 caps for Wales and previously spent time at Wrexham at the outset of his career. A homecoming for Ward would be a significant story for local fans, with the club hoping to harness both his talent and sense of belonging.
While the transfer window is always unpredictable, Wrexham’s interest doesn’t end with West Ham’s outgoing talent and Welsh internationals. Veteran Wolves defender Craig Dawson is another potential target, as reported by sources close to the club. Dawson, now 35, is determined to prolong his playing days, though any pursuit by Wrexham is likely to encounter stiff competition from Championship rivals Derby County.
The club’s intent to add experienced heads underscores a wider strategy driven by the financial muscle of Reynolds and McElhenney. Such backing has already set Wrexham apart from many of their peers and allowed them to make headway in transfer negotiations that might otherwise have seemed out of reach. This approach is not solely focused on permanent signings; the loan market is also very much on the club’s agenda.
Parkinson confirmed during a recent interview with The Athletic that the club is already in touch with Premier League teams regarding loan options. He pointed out that the step up to the Championship has opened new doors, attracting interest from higher quality players and shifting perceptions about what Wrexham can offer. “Premier League teams are often cautious about sending their top prospects to League One, but now we can look at players who are ready to make an impact at this level,” Parkinson observed.
Wrexham’s supporters will be watching keenly as the club negotiates a crucial summer window. With excitement building and anticipation high, the blend of homegrown talent, hard-nosed veterans, and promising loans could give the club the platform they need to thrive in the Championship.
This ambitious strategy highlights Wrexham’s transformation from a non-league entity to a side with serious designs on establishing themselves in the upper echelons of English football. If successful, their recruitment policy could serve as a template for similarly aspirational clubs aiming to leverage investment, community spirit, and bold vision into tangible progress on the pitch.