Wrexham AFC, led by Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, are preparing to bolster their forward line in the January transfer window as they chase promotion from League One. Despite their strong position in the league, sitting joint-first with Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference, the team has struggled with inconsistent performances from their center-forwards this season.
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The club has reportedly identified Manchester United’s teenage prospect Ethan Wheatley as a prime target, but competition from rivals Stockport County could complicate the deal.
Wrexham’s Striking Struggles
Wrexham’s success this season has been overshadowed by a lack of consistent scoring from their forwards. Veteran striker Paul Mullin, who has been a key figure in recent campaigns, has netted just one League One goal in 17 appearances during the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, Jack Marriott remains the team’s top scorer with five goals but has been sidelined since early October due to injury.
These challenges highlight the need for reinforcements, and the January window presents an opportunity to address these issues. With the club already making strides in the EFL Trophy—three wins away from a Wembley final—adding firepower to their squad is essential for sustaining momentum.
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The Ethan Wheatley Pursuit
Wrexham are reportedly targeting Ethan Wheatley, a talented center-forward from Manchester United’s youth setup, for a loan deal in the second half of the season. Wheatley has impressed at the U19 level and is seen as a promising addition to bolster Wrexham’s attacking options.
However, Stockport County, currently fifth in League One and seven points behind Wrexham, are also vying for Wheatley’s signature. Former player and pundit Carlton Palmer believes Stockport might have an edge due to Wheatley’s ties to the area.
“Stockport might have an edge in signing Wheatley because he’s from the area,” Palmer said. “But given that Wrexham are seven points clear of them, he might look to go to Wrexham.”
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Wrexham’s Advantages and Challenges
While Stockport’s local appeal could sway Wheatley’s decision, Wrexham offers a strong case with their league position and ambitious goals under the leadership of Phil Parkinson. The club’s owners, McElhenney and Reynolds, have not only brought significant investment but have also created an environment that attracts top talent.
Wrexham’s promotion push and the chance to play a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the Championship could be a decisive factor for Wheatley. Additionally, the high-profile nature of the club, bolstered by the global attention from Welcome to Wrexham, provides an appealing platform for young players to showcase their talent.
Backup Options if Wheatley Deal Falls Through
Should Wrexham fail to secure Wheatley, they have other potential targets on their radar.
- Will Lankshear (Tottenham Hotspur): The young forward was linked to Wrexham in the summer, but a deal didn’t materialize. With Tottenham potentially signing another striker, Lankshear’s limited game time could make him available for a loan move.
- Andre Gray (Plymouth Argyle): The experienced forward could be an alternative option, especially as his contract with Plymouth expires in December. Gray’s proven track record in the EFL could provide Wrexham with the immediate impact they need.
The Bigger Picture
The January transfer window is a critical juncture for Wrexham as they seek to address their scoring woes and maintain their promotion push. The club’s ambitions under McElhenney and Reynolds continue to grow, and their proactive approach to strengthening the squad demonstrates their commitment to long-term success.
While the race for Ethan Wheatley will be a closely watched storyline, Wrexham’s management has shown they are prepared with alternative strategies to ensure the team remains competitive in the second half of the season.
With the stakes higher than ever, the coming weeks will reveal whether Wrexham can secure their top targets and keep their promotion dreams alive.
