Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has endured a hectic summer following his side’s promotion from League One last term.
The ex-Bolton and Sunderland chief has been handed substantial funds to strengthen his squad by the club’s celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons have already secured seven fresh faces, with an eighth arrival looming in Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore.
Several high-profile departures have also occurred, including Wrexham icon Paul Mullin’s temporary switch to Wigan Athletic.
The Welsh outfit will commence their Championship journey with a demanding fixture at Southampton on Saturday.
Parkinson has hinted that additional new arrivals could materialise before the campaign begins.
Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel, he said: “Are we completely ready? I hope there’s a bit more transfer activity this week but by next Saturday we will be ready for action.”
Wrexham find themselves in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after achieving a remarkable three successive promotions.
Their ambitions remain undiminished as their proprietors’ previously improbable dream of reaching the Premier League draws nearer.
So, how might Wrexham find themselves lining up against the Saints as they look to bring in more new signings?
Here, Express Sport takes a closer look at some of the key moves which could happen, both inwards and outwards.
Club transfer record smashed as £7.5m winger arrives
Wrexham have already broken their club transfer record twice this summer. The first was the £2.1million signing of Liberato Cacace, a left-back from Empoli, surpassing the previous record set by Sam Smith’s arrival from Reading in January.
This was followed by the acquisition of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien for a reported fee of up to £5m. The record could potentially be broken again as Wrexham pursue a deal to sign Ipswich winger Nathan Broadhead.
The club has put forward a £7.5m bid for the Wales international and are awaiting a response from their Championship rivals. A combination of injuries and interest in other Ipswich forwards could hinder the move.
However, there is still hope that Ipswich may find a replacement to facilitate Broadhead’s switch to North Wales.
Ajax star joins in £4m swoop.
Despite already bolstering their midfield, Wrexham seem to be in the market for a defensive midfielder. Ajax’s Sivert Mannsverk is one target who has sparked fan interest after spending the end of last season on loan at Cardiff City in the second tier.
Reports suggest securing Mannsverk’s signature could cost up to £4m. Ajax are reportedly willing to let the 23 year old leave permanently this summer.
The Norway Under-21 international has only managed 18 appearances for the Dutch giants, but his addition would significantly enhance Wrexham’s defensive midfield options.
Parkinson takes steps to streamline squad
Wrexham’s inflated squad could pose a challenge for Parkinson unless he acts swiftly. The Red Dragons currently boast more than 30 senior players following a spate of transfer activity.
Championship clubs are restricted to squads of up to 25 players under league regulations. This could result in some disgruntled players at Wrexham who find themselves deemed surplus to requirements.
Parkinson has already approved loan moves for Mullin and Jake Bickerstaff, while Luke Bolton and Will Boyle have permanently transferred to Mansfield and Shrewsbury respectively. However, further departures are necessary, with rumours suggesting that striker Ollie Palmer may be on his way out.
