Wrexham need extra firepower this summer, but Patrick Bamford may not be the answer. Instead, here are three alternative options the Red Dragons should consider.
Phil Parkinson has done an amazing job getting Wrexham to the Championship so quickly, but he now needs to add a lot of quality to his squad in order to compete at that level.
One area in particular that seems to be a priority for Wrexham is in attack, with a whole host of different strikers linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground already this summer.
Patrick Bamford has been among those names, but it seems Bamford will now stay at Leeds United and fight for his place in the Premier League. So, who should Wrexham turn to instead?
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesStrikers Wrexham can sign instead of Patrick BamfordEmil Riis Jakobsen
We know Wrexham are eyeing up the free agent market this summer, and one name that is attracting a lot of attention in the Championship is Preston North End’s Emil Riis.
The big Danish striker bagged 12 goals in the second tier in 2024/25 and would be a great asset for any team in the Championship.
That’s especially true of Wrexham, with Parkinson obviously favouring a two-pronged forward line and being a fan of the target man approach. In that regard, Emil Riis would be perfect for the Red Dragons and their style of play.
For absolutely nothing and with experience in the division, Wrexham could do far worse than snapping up the 26-year-old.
Josh Maja
Josh Maja started the 2024/25 campaign on fire for West Brom, with 12 goals in the first 26 games of the season.
A calf injury hampered his progress, with Maja missing the entire second half of the campaign. Now, his West Brom future is very much in doubt.
The 26-year-old has a year left on his deal and has been mooted for an exit already. Meanwhile, the arrival of Ryan Mason as the Baggies’ new manager will open the door for mass change at the Hawthorns.
Wrexham would likely be able to get a reasonable deal for the Nigerian striker, and when he’s fit, he can be one of the most dangerous forwards in the Championship.
Josh Coburn
Another player who faces an uncertain future in light of recent managerial changes is Josh Coburn. Middlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick last week, which could give Coburn the chance to impress whoever takes over at the Riverside.
But, after a strong showing on loan at Millwall last season, where Coburn scored six goals in 25 games, there’ll be a few clubs keeping an eye on his next move.
If Boro do decide they don’t need him, Wrexham could snap up a young, hungry striker who has already shown he is a natural goalscorer and who has decent scope to keep developing, too.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesWrexham’s current striker situation explained
Obviously, Wrexham are all-in on Sam Smith. The club’s record signing will surely lead the line next season, but Smith’s record in the Championship does suggest the Red Dragons need at least one more addition in that area.
With Jay Rodriguez not exactly setting the world alight since joining, and the futures of both Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer up in the air, we could see a very different roster of strikers in the Wrexham squad come August.
Other options include Callum Robinson at Cardiff City, Joe Gelhardt could be available, and Danny Ings has been mentioned, too.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see two strikers come in, especially if we do see someone leave Wrexham this summer. Now, we just have to see if Parkinson listens to our suggestions…