Wrexham are continuing their assault towards the Premier League after three consecutive promotions. Helping them to the top flight could be a host of familiar faces looking to join the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney charge, with more Hollywood cash set to be spent this summer.
Here, Express Sport takes a look at how Wrexham could line up next season with six transfers – including Kevin De Bruyne and Jamie Vardy.
Goalkeeper
Arthur Okonkwo
Some of Wrexham’s previous signings have been made with the future in mind, considering both age and potential, and goalkeeper Okonkwo falls into that category. The Welsh club beat out a lot of suitors for the former Arsenal stopper and will be delighted to have him at their disposal moving forward.
Defence
Ryan Longman
A big reason behind Wrexham’s success has been their ability to sign ready-made players for the division above, while pushing for promotion. Winger-cum-wing-back Longman had been a Championship regular for years with Hull and Millwall before heading to north Wales in January and may remain a fixture in the team.
Max Cleworth
Cleworth was at Wrexham before the influx of cash and new owners and his development has only been boosted as the club move through the divisions. He was recently named in the League One Team of the season and will continue to be a big part of the team.
Jonny Evans
The first big-name arrival could be Manchester United defender Evans, who is out of contract at the end of the season. There is talk of the veteran retiring, but a role at the heart of Wrexham’s defence may appeal, similar to how Ben Foster became a club icon in his final years.
Ben Davies
The Wales vice-captain could return to his homeland 11 years after departing Swansea for Tottenham. He is available on a free transfer and started Spurs’ last Premier League match, albeit a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of champions Liverpool.
But Davies is more than capable of competing in the Championship and would be a serious coup for Wrexham, though the 32-year-old will not be short of suitors.
Ashley Young
Young has been a reliable Premier League option for Everton in his two years at the club after spells at Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Watford across an impressive 22-year career.
He hasn’t played in the Championship since leading Watford to the top flight in 2006, but could come in on a free transfer to compete with James McClean and provide options on both flanks.
Midfield
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City legend De Bruyne is the pie-in-the-sky dream signing. His contract expires at the end of the season and he is departing the Etihad. Head coach Phil Parkinson claims to operate a “no superstars and no egos” policy that will continue in the Championship.
But would he be able to resist a superstar in the form of De Bruyne turning up at the Racecourse?
George Dobson
Dobson left Charlton, the club he captained, to join Wrexham a year ago and adds not just leadership but exceptional quality in the middle of the pitch. He has spent eight years in League One but is a stalwart for Parkinson. He may finally be able to make the jump.
Oliver Rathbone
Rathbone spent two years in the Championship with Rotherham before dropping down to play for Wrexham, where he has enjoyed a thrilling season. His eight goals from midfield have been vital and could yet be another player able to step up.
Attack
Jamie Vardy
Vardy confirmed his Leicester exit after 13 years, 198 goals, a Premier League title and a FA Cup win. And a lot of minds immediately went to Wrexham as his next club, joining the Reynolds and McElhenney journey and becoming yet another cult hero.
He has spent three total seasons in the Championship with Leicester and what a story it would be to take Wrexham to the promised land.
Lewis Koumas
Given Wrexham’s close proximity to Liverpool, they are the perfect landing spot for Arne Slot’s young talent. Koumas has impressed on loan at Stoke this season and already made five caps for Wales. A win-win for all parties involved.