A Premier League winner, a Champions League finalist and an EFL legend… the FIVE potential deals Wrexham could explore this summer

Wrexham got a quick reality check on Saturday in their first game of the 2023-24 League Two season as MK Dons secured a 5-3 win at the Racecourse Ground.

It wasn’t the fairytale start that Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney envisioned, but the season is a marathon, not a sprint, and Wrexham are now looking forward to what they hope will be a successful return to the Football League for the first time since 2008.

The signing of former Premier League star James McClean will provide a major boost, and the team bounced back by beating Wigan in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

However, with the loss to MK Dons clearly highlighting the shortcomings within the side, further strengthening may be required.

Mail sports have looked at five potential deals the Red Dragons could finalize in the coming weeks as they look to build on their promotion to League Two and lift themselves up the football pyramid.

Danny Drinkwater

The former Premier League winner has not played a competitive game since April 2022 and is currently without a club having been released by Chelsea following unsuccessful loan spells at Reading, Aston Villa, Burnley and Kasimpasa.

Despite this, the 33-year-old still believes he has a lot to offer in the game and Wrexham could be the perfect platform for Drinkwater to get back to his best. Speaking to SPORTbible about the possibility of returning to football, he said, “I want to be excited about a project.

“I’m just waiting for something that turns me on. I need that burning feeling again. I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs. I can’t wait to join again.’

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have already shown their ability to persuade former Premier League players to make the switch and could consider doing so again.

Drinkwater could be the perfect next addition for the club, with his experience and desire to return to the professional game offering two essential qualities for a newly promoted side.

Danny Rose

Another top Premier League footballer who is now without a club just four years after playing in a Champions League final for Tottenham, having struggled in recent years to balance his love of the game and his professional career.

His contract with Watford was mutually terminated last year, with the 33-year-old opening up about his struggles since taking a break from the game while recently speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports. He said: ‘Obviously it’s no secret that I haven’t been in football.

‘I deliberately didn’t watch football. I haven’t seen anything from the World Cup.

“It wasn’t until one night that I watched City in the Champions League – and when I watched it, listened to the music, I started to think, ‘Okay, I miss it.'”

After openly admitting he wants to make a return, Rose could have the chance to revive his career at Wrexham, while also joining his former Watford team-mate, Ben Foster.

Phil Parkinson also opts for wingbacks in his favored formation and capitalizes perfectly on the attacking talents of the former England international.

Troy Deeny

The Red Dragons suffered a massive pre-season injury when striker Paul Mullin saw his performance against Manchester United cut short after suffering a punctured lung in a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

His 38 goals last season saw the team move back into the Football League and starting the new season without him left them severely under-staffed in the striker division. Reinforcements are now likely to become a priority, with Mullin potentially sidelined for six to eight weeks.

One player they could turn to in his absence is another of Foster’s former teammates, Troy Deeney. The 35-year-old forward left Birmingham City this summer and has yet to find his next destination, opening the door for Wrexham to take advantage of the situation and secure his services.

Whether or not Deeney would make the move up to League Two remains to be seen, with recent links to Sheffield Wednesday keeping him in the Championship.

Billy Sharp

Sharp is a free agent after parting ways with Sheffield United at the end of his contract ahead of their 2023-24 Premier League season. The 37-year-old is reportedly in talks to join League One side Derby County, outlining his willingness to drop back to the lower leagues, according to The Sun.

Despite current negotiations with the Rams, Wrexham could try to hijack the move for the player by offering a more attractive financial package.

Their wealth of sponsorship deals with United Airlines and Stok Brew Cold Coffee will provide a significant financial boost to the transfer market, which can be used to their advantage in times like this.

However, other teams such as Coventry City and Rotherham United would also be eyeing Sharp, which could prove more difficult if the player wants to continue playing Championship football.

Hal Robson-Kanu

The 46-time Wales international has already offered to come out of retirement to don the Wrexham shirt and could provide the option they need following Mullin’s injury.

Speaking to Sky Sports about the possibility of signing for Wrexham recently, Robson-Kanu outlined his willingness to open talks with the team. He said, “I haven’t officially announced my retirement yet, but again, I’m 33 years old.

“What they’ve done is fantastic. I’m happy for a conversation and as I said, I would also like to donate any salary I receive to charity.’

From the experience he brings in both the Premier League and on the international scene, to his eagerness to play for the side – the deal makes sense for both parties if he can contribute.