Wrexham Brace For Uncharted Territory As The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds Era Faces Its Biggest Test Yet

Wrexham may find themselves in a difficult position to retain some of their key players during the summer transfer window following their failure to secure promotion to the Premier League.

The Red Dragons ended the season in seventh place in the Championship and narrowly missed the playoffs by just two points. While it represented the club's finest finish in their 162-year history, there was still a lingering sense of frustration that the campaign hadn't yielded even greater results.

Phil Parkinson has openly acknowledged that Wrexham will need to strengthen their squad to mount a serious promotion challenge, with next season's Championship expected to be considerably tougher. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley and West Ham United have all dropped down from the Premier League and will benefit from parachute payments, while Middlesbrough, Southampton and Birmingham City are also tipped as strong contenders for the top flight.

The Welsh club will also encounter a fresh challenge this summer: holding onto their most valuable assets. Although there has been transfer speculation surrounding Wrexham players throughout their extraordinary climb from the National League, this marks the first summer where retaining key personnel could prove genuinely difficult.

With the club now competing at the upper tier of the Championship, their standout performers will inevitably attract attention from Premier League sides, who can offer not only greater financial rewards but also a higher-profile stage. This means Wrexham must demonstrate significant ambition both in recruiting new talent and in holding onto the players they already have.

Who Could Wrexham Lose This Summer

Wrexham are preparing themselves for transfer interest in defender Callum Doyle following an impressive Championship campaign.

The 22-year-old thrived after his $6.8 million switch from Manchester City and earned a place in the Championship Team of the Season. Doyle also received recognition closer to home, scooping both the club's Young Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards.

Wrexham were well aware they had acquired a future star when City insisted on inserting a buyback clause into last summer's deal, and several Premier League clubs are expected to register interest in the coming months. Doyle is contracted until 2029, leaving the Red Dragons in a relatively strong negotiating position, though they acknowledge that every player has their price.

Speaking following the draw against Middlesbrough on the final day of the season, Wrexham captain Dom Hyam raised transfer concerns when he conceded that holding onto Doyle this summer could prove challenging.

"He's a really quality player. I think he's got everything," he said. "He's technically so calm. He's a beast as well, and he's young. I think that'll unfortunately attract some big clubs. It's obviously out of our hands, but he's got a big future."

Callum Doyle 2025–26 Championship Season Stats

Wrexham could also face a struggle to hold onto Josh Windass following yet another outstanding personal campaign. The 32-year-old claimed the club's Player of the Season award after netting 17 goals and contributing six assists across all competitions.

Windass has emerged as a target for Scottish powerhouse Rangers, now managed by his former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Röhl. Having arrived on a free transfer last summer, any sale would represent pure profit for the club, though it is difficult to envisage Wrexham entertaining the idea unless the player himself sought an exit. Sports Illustrated understands there is currently nothing to report regarding Rangers' interest.

Among other players who could attract suitors this summer, reports have already emerged linking Hull City with a move for Lewis O'Brien. The Tigers' transfer embargo is set to be lifted next month, enabling the club to pay transfer fees for new signings once again.

Wrexham also invested an initial $6.8 million to bring O'Brien in from Nottingham Forest last summer and may struggle to turn down any offer that generates a profit. The 27-year-old had a solid debut campaign in North Wales, but few would begrudge him the opportunity to return to Premier League football.