Beloved Wrexham Star Prepares for Heartbreaking Farewell as Departure Looms
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has acknowledged that beloved player Elliot Lee is seeking an exit from STōK Cae Ras during the January window, a choice the club plans to "honor."
Lee, who joined the Welsh side as a free transfer before the 2022–23 campaign, has endured a season plagued by fitness issues and limited opportunities. While he featured in three Carabao Cup fixtures during August and September, the midfielder failed to secure any Championship minutes.
Pushed down the pecking order by new arrivals Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass, Lee's 2025–26 season deteriorated further when he sustained a serious knee problem. The English player underwent surgery in November and remained out of action for more than two months before rejoining training in early January.
Although he has recovered, Lee is unlikely to feature in Wrexham colors anytime soon. The 31-year-old is instead considering his alternatives in the transfer market.
"Elliot participated fully in Monday's session and we're carefully monitoring his progress," Parkinson told The Leader. "Multiple clubs are interested in securing Elliot on a temporary basis, so he's preparing himself for that possibility, and he's close to being ready since he's returned to training.
"He performed excellently in training and desires to compete elsewhere, so we'll honor that wish and provide him with the chance."
Lee Another Promotion Hero Bidding Farewell to Wrexham
Lee Another Promotion Hero Saying Goodbye to Wrexham
If Lee achieves his desire to depart Wrexham, whether permanently or on loan, supporters of Wales' oldest football club will face another farewell to a key figure in the team's remarkable rise to the Championship in recent years.
Lee entered the 2025–26 campaign having made 149 appearances for the club. The ex-West Ham United player netted 41 times across his three previous seasons under Parkinson, contributing to the Red Dragons' successive promotions from the National League to League Two, then League One, and finally to the Championship.
The possible departure of Lee represents another heartbreaking moment for Wrexham supporters, who previously watched Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher leave at the season's beginning. However, Mullin has since returned after his Wigan Athletic loan spell was terminated early in the new year.
Nevertheless, the fresh talent in Parkinson's starting lineup has Wrexham positioned ninth in the Championship, sitting just one point away from playoff contention. The Red Dragons also eliminated Premier League side Nottingham Forest to reach the FA Cup fourth round, where they will welcome Ipswich Town.