Managing Wrexham as Ryan Reynolds snags Premier League star and makes brutal decision

Wrexham have already started making moves in the transfer market ahead of a crucial summer window. The club owned by Hollywood stars and will be playing in the next season, and they've already begun to clear out players viewed as surplus to requirements.

One of those was , who has been a key part of their last two promotions and scored eight goals this term in . The former and man said in a post on that his departure was "not by choice", indicating the cut-throat nature of some of the decisions being made.

Wrexham have also given a significant indication of their ambitions after reportedly making a as manager looks to strengthen his squad. Despite their lofty aims, Parkinson has made it clear that he will have when it comes to making new additions.

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"I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, in terms of who we bring in and how we add to this fantastic squad of lads we've got, but let's see if we can build a squad to compete at that level," he said after sealing automatic promotion last month.

"That is a challenge, but what we've always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right and I think that's key - no superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we've got to try and get that balance right again. You always need extra quality when you go up a level to make sure the right people come into the building."

Parkinson has yet to divulge his main priority areas when it comes to recruitment, but most departments will need strengthening if they are to realise the co-owners' .

So, how could Wrexham find themselves lining up next season if everything goes to plan this summer? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at some of the names being linked with the Welsh side.

Goalkeeper and defence

Former youngster Arthur Okonkwo registered 18 clean sheets in the league for Wrexham this season despite missing part of the campaign with a wrist injury. The Red Dragons also have a strong back-up option in goal in ex-Plymouth man Callum Burton, although a new third-choice shot-stopper could be required following the departure of Mark Howard.

Defence is an area where improvements would appear more urgent as several members of their backline have followed the club all the way from the National League. Wrexham have been linked with a move for Ukrainian defender Maksym Talovierov after he was relegated from the Championship with Plymouth Argyle.

Turkish team Trabzonspor and Championship rivals Derby County are also believed to be interested. Wrexham are also claimed to be targeting a bold move for defender Jonny Evans, as well as Harry Darling from Swansea.

Evans made a surprise return to Old Trafford in 2023, having left the club in 2014, and played 12 times in all competitions this season. The 37-year-old's deal will expire again in June and he is not expected to be offered another extension, opening a window for Wrexham to pull off another potential high-profile signing. Homegrown talent Mark Cleworth is a highly-rated prospect and therefore likely to retain his starting place.

Midfield

Wrexham's midfield was bolstered last summer with the arrival of ex-Charlton player George Dobson and Ollie Rathbone from Rotherham. Parkinson signed former midfielder Matty James as a free agent in October to add some top-flight experience, something James McClean also boasts.

However, there's still a belief among supporters that more new faces are needed to offer a more attacking threat and extra creativity, despite the flair offered out wide by Ryan Longman. Current captain Tom Cairney is understood to be top of their target list after reports of an approach being made.

Negotiations for the midfielder are believed to be in the initial stages, with his contract with the Cottagers due to expire soon. Cairney has made 23 appearances for Fulham this season and his arrival would represent a massive statement of intent.

Attack

On the face of it, Wrexham have an embarrassment of riches in attack. The January signings of Sam Smith from Reading and Jay Rodriguez from helped them get over the line to achieve promotion.

But there are doubts over whether the likes of fan favourites Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin will make the step up to the Championship. Both were frozen out of the squad in the second half of the season, and Parkinson has shown he isn't afraid to make ruthless decisions.

It's perhaps telling that a number of the biggest names Wrexham have been linked with are strikers, including Leicester's Jamie Vardy, Patrick Bamford from Leeds and Cardiff's Callum Robinson. The former pair could be a stretch too far financially, even for a club with Hollywood backing, but Robinson has plenty of experience in the second tier.

The 30-year-old could fit the bill following the Bluebirds' relegation and after scoring 12 goals this season, with Plymouth's Ryan Hardie also named as a potential target.

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