According to recent reports, Wrexham Football Club is in discussions regarding a potential move for Fulham`s experienced captain, Tom Cairney. This transfer target suggests the Red Dragons are looking to significantly strengthen their squad as they prepare for their return to the Championship.
Having secured their third successive promotion, Wrexham is now set to compete in the second tier of English football. Following this rapid ascent, speculation is mounting that the club, under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, may once again be prepared to invest substantially in new players.
The Telegraph reports that Cairney is firmly on Wrexham`s radar, and talks have reportedly commenced for the midfielder. Signing the Fulham captain would represent one of Wrexham`s most ambitious transfer pursuits to date, potentially surpassing the £2 million they spent on Sam Smith in January.
Cairney`s contract is set to expire this summer, meaning he could be available on a free transfer. However, acquiring his services would likely involve substantial wage demands.
Wrexham is believed to be prioritizing experienced players for their return to the second division after a 21-year absence, and the 34-year-old Cairney fits this requirement perfectly.
He possesses considerable experience in the Championship, with 318 appearances at that level, and the report states he has featured in 412 top-flight games. This season, he played 27 matches for Fulham, primarily coming off the bench in the Premier League.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has consistently opted for experienced signings in recent years, with additions like Jay Rodriguez (35), James McClean (36), and Steven Fletcher (37). The current Wrexham squad already includes 11 players aged 30 or over, with the possibility of more veteran players joining.
Other experienced names linked with a move to North Wales include Jamie Vardy, who is leaving Leicester City, and Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, whose contract also ends next month.
Manager Phil Parkinson discussed the club`s recruitment plans, confirming they are “always planning” and keeping an eye on potential free agents, though he avoided mentioning specific individuals. He noted the significant “mind-blowing” jump in salaries required to sign Championship-quality players, a gap he believes is often underestimated by those outside the football world.
Parkinson acknowledged the financial challenge but stressed the importance of maintaining the correct culture within the club. He emphasized the need to avoid “superstars” or “egos” and ensure that any new arrivals are the “right people” to fit into the team`s environment.
