Wrexham could land one of their dream striker targets this summer after the player was told it’s ‘pointless’ staying at his current club.
Wrexham’s list of summer transfer targets continues to grow following their promotion from League One. And for Phil Parkinson it looks like the attacking department is the one that he really wants to improve this summer.
Last January, Wrexham broke their transfer record to sign Sam Smith from Reading in a £2million deal. He’ll be a good option next season but after him, Wrexham really don’t have a lot.
Fellow January signing Jay Rodriguez failed to kick on whilst Steven Fletcher is among the Wrexham players out of contract in 2025, and the veteran frontman is looking likely to leave the Racecourse.
Several attacking names have been linked with summer moves to Wrexham, with one being Joe Gelhardt.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesJoe Gelhardt told to leave Leeds United amid links to Wrexham
Wrexham tried to sign Gelhardt in January this year. Instead, he joined Hull City where he went on to score five goals in 20 Championship outings. Leeds United are willing to sell Gelhardt after their promotion to the Premier League and pundit Don Goodman has urged the 23-year-old to leave Elland Road.
Speaking to Football League World, Goodman said: “With Joe Gelhardt it almost seems pointless keeping him at the football club if you’re Leeds United. He’s been there a long time and not made the breakthrough even when they’ve been in the Championship.
“So, for all parties it would be the best thing for him to move on. Whether that’s to Hull or not remains to be seen. Obviously, it was a tough season last season and Joe is still looking to kick on, really.
“I remember him breaking through at Wigan, this talented young kid that everyone was excited about, but it hasn’t really kicked on yet. So, hopefully the best is yet to come for him.”
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty ImagesWrexham could be in two-horse race to sign Joe Gelhardt
With Gelhardt looking almost nailed on to leave Leeds United this summer, expect there to be strong interest in signing the forward. Already, it’s been revealed that Hull City are keen to re-sign Gelhardt.
But Wrexham have a huge upper hand over most teams in the division, simply because of who they are. Their journey and the lifestyle that comes with playing for Wrexham is unmatched and arguably more attractive than playing for a Hull City side who finished 21st in the Championship last season.
That said, Gelhardt says he enjoyed his time at Hull. It’s close to Leeds too so that could play a factor. Whether or not he joins Wrexham remains to be seen but it looks certain that he leaves Leeds United.