Wrexham’s Championship crossroads: time to strengthen
Wrexham AFC are stepping into the Championship next season after completing a breathtaking third successive promotion, rising from non-league to the second tier under the stewardship of manager Phil Parkinson, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their ascent makes them one of the most compelling stories in modern football—not least because of the release and Emmy-winning success of Welcome to Wrexham, which continues into its fourth season.
Yet this summer’s challenge is no fairy tale: promotion to the Championship opens a different world—a world where clubs with Premier League history and hefty budgets loom large. Financial swing and speed on the flanks will test Phil Parkinson’s pragmatism more than ever.
Why the decision is “easy” — the Ben Davies link
National outlets have flagged Wrexham’s interest in Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies, a seasoned Wales international, as a significant story. Wrexham have reportedly held talks with Davies about a summer transfer, eyeing his Championship-level experience. Spurs recently triggered his one-year option, meaning Wrexham would need to agree a transfer fee—not lose him on a free.
Davies’s situation with Wales
Despite shining in recent international fixtures—playing a full game in the World Cup qualifier against Belgium—his performance came under scrutiny. Davies found it tough to handle the pace of Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, earning a 5/10 rating from Y Clwb Pêl-droed.
What does this spell for Wrexham?
- Leadership and experience: Davies brings a wealth of Premier League and international experience, essential for stability at the back in a demanding division.
- Adaptable role fit: Most likely slotting into a left-sided centre-back role in a back three, where he’s excelled at Spurs. This aligns with Parkinson’s often-used three-man defence.
- Bridge to youth and pace: His adaptability allows Wrexham to take time with a younger, faster left-back option—no urgent risk on that front.
It boils down to a clear question: Should Wrexham sanction the transfer fee and bring Davies in? For Parkinson, who’s steering an upward-trending squad, the answer seems a straightforward “yes”—if sporting and financial discussions align.
The Parkinson blueprint: pragmatism meets ambition
A decade-long lower-league manager, Parkinson is no stranger to building resilient teams with measured resources. In Mar 2025, he led Wrexham to 92 League One points, the highest in club history.
Parkinson’s traits:
- Structure-first approach: His sides tend to be tough to beat—Wrexham were one of few teams to concede less during the campaign .
- Tactical flexibility: Mid-season, he shifted formations and adjusted striker combinations—leading to a dominant run that sealed their promotion.
- Recruitment with cohesion: Parkinson appears to have heavily influenced player signings and identity—Ben Davies would slot neatly into this blueprint.
The Dundee formative voice of Reddit fans on r/WrexhamAFC captures this optimism:
“Parky is effectively the Director of Football right now… he does his own recruiting and player selection… I think he may just not like what the job has become.
Wrexham’s financial runway and squad evolution
Ownership under Reynolds & McElhenney has brought not only fame but also fiscal discipline. In 2024–25, turnover hit £26.7 million, exceeding several Championship competitors, and substantial debts to owners were fully repaid.
With investment from the Allyn family and robust TV/sponsorship revenue, Wrexham are financially equipped—but not free to splurge at Premier League-level (). Any more high earners will need justification.
Davie’s financial fit:
- Veteran with pedigree: Ben Davies carries top-flight and international experience—worth a positionally limited but reliable presence.
- Mid-range Championship budget: His wage expectations likely align with a Championship-level squad—offering quality without exaggerating the wage bill.
This balance is crucial: Wrexham can’t chase high-priced free agents (Jonny Evans, Jamie Vardy have been floated, but come with high wage demands)—yet each signing must bring immediate impact on and off the pitch.
The road ahead: smart signings + peak planning
Wrexham’s summer business is more than one transfer—it’s about system reinforcement.
1. Priority positions:
- Centre-back (left side): Addressed by Davies, bringing leadership and Championship experience.
- Winger/wing-back: Speed is vital—League One wingers rot from the pace of top-tier crosses and dribbles. Parkinson must secure quick, athletic players to pair with Davies .
- Striker support: The club eyed Sheffield Wednesday target Michael Smith, but their embedding of Jay Rodriguez, Sam Smith, Paul Mullin, and Ollie Palmer suggests forwards remain on the agenda.
2. Developing youth alongside seniors:
Parkinson and the owners seem committed to blending Academy graduates and experienced heads. Defender Eoghan O’Connell, winger Ryan Longman, and others demonstrate this hybrid approach . Ben Davies would serve as a mentor in this intelligent pairing.
3. Financial prudence:
Budget decisions will require discipline. While investment continues, Reynolds & McElhenney have emphasized sustainability—even joking about refraining from overly friendly “good luck” handshakes.
So—why is this an “easy decision”?
Because the pieces align:
| Factor | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Club Philosophy | Matches Parkinson’s structured, adaptable style |
| Leadership | Adds a veteran voice to a youthful squad |
| Experience | Direct Championship & Premier League pedigree |
| Budget | Reasonable fit within financial margins |
| Mentorship | Helps younger players transitioning to higher level |
Sagely, national outlets have predicted that this one move—Ben Davies to Wrexham—will be a clear, pragmatic win . It’s the kind of targeted, strategic addition that eases squad gaps without blurring club identity.
Final word: poised for Championship survival… and more
Wrexham’s tale—from National League misfires to triumphant return to the Championship—is one of ambitions aligning: ownership’s bold backing, Parkinson’s grounded plan, and signings that reinforce rather than reinvent.
Adding Ben Davies? That would be a piece of completeness—not a flashy crusade. It complements the club’s DNA, fills a core need, and sends a strong signal: Wrexham intend not only to survive, but to compete in the Championship.
The decision is easy. The outcome? Still to be written—but all signs point toward a well-oiled machine, another chapter of ambition marked in red, white, and black.
