Five Deadly Free Agent Strikers Wrexham Can Still Snatch Beyond The Summer Transfer Deadline

Five Deadly Free Agent Strikers Wrexham Can Still Snatch Beyond The Summer Transfer Deadline

Wrexham still have three vacancies in their first-team squad should they wish to bring in a free agent. The Red Dragons currently have just two senior strikers available and risk being stretched thin up front if injuries or suspensions strike.

Phil Parkinson recently acknowledged that his side "are always looking around and are aware of what players are available" after registering only a 22-man squad for the EFL Championship campaign. While those spots will likely be taken up by injured players upon their return, the open positions have also sparked talk of potentially signing a free agent outside the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, here is a look at five strikers currently without a club who could strengthen the Wrexham first-team squad.

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema

Let's start with the boldest, most ambitious and least realistic option. The 38-year-old claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or—given to the world's finest player—just four years ago and became a free agent after departing Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal at the end of August.

Benzema has yet to hang up his boots, but a move to the Championship would appear extremely far-fetched for the five-time Champions League winner, let alone given the enormous wages he would command.

While he is an outstanding talent, he has also been surrounded by controversy. Just last week, Nike pulled out of a planned filming session for a campaign featuring Benzema after concluding he did not reflect the brand's values. This one seems dead in the water.

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial

On the topic of French attackers, former Manchester United striker Martial is also a free agent after mutually parting ways with Mexican club Monterrey back in June.

Since departing Old Trafford two summers ago, Martial has had stints in Greece with AEK Athens and most recently in Mexico with Monterrey, so he may not be entirely opposed to the idea of a season in North Wales.

Martial is still only 30 and would be an exciting addition to the Wrexham setup, though fitness continues to be his primary concern. He made just 24 appearances for AEK and a further 20 during his stint with Monterrey.

Even so, that may be sufficient for a backup role at the Racecourse Ground.

Joselu

Joselu

If Wrexham are still keen on signing a former Real Madrid forward, they could look to bring in Joselu as another free agent option. The 36-year-old has familiarity with British football from his time at Newcastle United and Stoke City, and enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence when he returned to Real Madrid on loan two seasons ago and lifted the Champions League trophy.

He subsequently joined Real Madrid on a permanent basis before moving to Qatar Stars League outfit Al Gharafa the very next day. He netted 28 goals in 58 outings for them before becoming a free agent this summer, proving he still has a sharp instinct in front of goal, even if at a lower level.

Joselu could again be an intriguing squad addition as a backup, though his age and salary expectations may not represent the best value for money.

Cedric Teuchert

Cedric Teuchert #36 of St. Louis City SC takes to the field ahead of the MLS soccer game vs. FC Dallas.

Wrexham maintain they are "comfortable" with the attackers currently at their disposal, meaning they may be reluctant to commit large wages to a short-term signing. That could make someone like Cedric Teuchert a more attainable option for the squad.

The 29-year-old may not be widely recognised by fans, having spent most of his career in Germany, but he spent the past two seasons at MLS club St. Louis CITY, where he contributed eight league goals.

Teuchert's goal return during his time in the U.S. was modest, but he did produce some eye-catching finishes and could be worth considering on a short-term basis until Wrexham are able to make a permanent signing in the January window.

Odion Ighalo

Odion Jude Ighalo of Al Hilal Saudi FC celebrates after scoring during the AFC Champions League 2022 semifinals.

Odion Ighalo is another player still on the market following the close of the summer transfer window. The very fact that he features on this list underlines just how limited the free agent pool really is.

The 37-year-old is clubless after his deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Wehda expired and does bring relevant experience from previous spells at Manchester United and Watford.

However, his arrival would do little to inspire confidence among Wrexham supporters, and it would make little sense to commit substantial wages to him, even on a short-term arrangement.

It appears Kieffer Moore and Sam Smith will need to carry the load for the foreseeable future.

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