Is Wrexham about to break the bank for a major transfer coup? With a £14 million deal paving the way, the Red Dragons are reportedly ready to splash over £30 million on new talent. Find out how this blockbuster move could reshape their squad and their Football League ambitions. What will this mean for their rivals?

Wrexham Football Club is reportedly on the cusp of a significant financial commitment, preparing to surpass £30 million in transfer spending as they aggressively pursue Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone. This ambitious strategy underscores the Red Dragons’ intent to fortify their squad with top-tier talent as the summer transfer window draws to a close, signalling a bold move in their ongoing ascent through the Football League ranks.

The catalyst for Wrexham’s potential spending spree appears to be a separate, substantial £14 million deal involving one of their rivals. This particular agreement could free up the necessary capital, directly paving the way for Wrexham to make a compelling £7.5 million bid for Smallbone, a player highly coveted by manager Phil Parkinson.

Will Smallbone, a 25-year-old midfielder from Southampton, has been a key target for Wrexham. His potential arrival at the Racecourse Ground is seen as crucial for bolstering the midfield options, an area Parkinson has openly expressed a desire to strengthen. The Red Dragons’ chances of securing the Republic of Ireland international have reportedly surged following Southampton’s apparent agreement to sign Finn Azaz from another club.

Southampton is reportedly set to pay an initial £12 million, with an additional £2 million in add-ons, for Azaz, despite competition from multiple other prominent clubs. This move by Southampton is expected to facilitate Smallbone’s departure, as he has seen limited playing time this season due to a pre-season calf injury and has seemingly fallen out of favour under manager Will Still.

Smallbone has a notable career history, progressing through Southampton’s academy since his debut in 2020. He has made 90 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. Last season, he played 18 times, netting once, as Southampton faced relegation from the Premier League.

However, his instrumental role in Southampton’s promotion from the Championship via the play-offs in May 2024, where he contributed seven goals and four assists, highlights his capabilities and makes him an attractive prospect for Wrexham. The Welsh club is reportedly awaiting a final decision on the transfer by the end of the current week.

Manager Phil Parkinson’s proactive approach to strengthening his midfield extends beyond Smallbone, with the club having been linked to other potential recruits in recent weeks. His ongoing conversations with Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds consistently revolve around building a competitive squad and a strong team template, rather than being pressured by immediate, grand expectations.

This steadfast support from the owners allows Parkinson to focus on strategic team development, ensuring Wrexham continues its impressive trajectory. Meanwhile, the club’s rising profile is further evidenced by three Wrexham stars – goalkeeper Danny Ward, forward Nathan Broadhead, and striker Kieffer Moore – earning call-ups to the national squad for a crucial World Cup qualifier, marking a significant milestone for the club since 2010.