Wales-based club Wrexham have been on a fairytale run for the past three years. In fact, it is one for the history books.
They will be playing Championship football next season. For many clubs, it will just be another league campaign. Other clubs might even feel dissatisfied and disappointed with playing in the second tier of English football, but not Wrexham.
Since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over ownership of the club in 2020, it has been good tidings. For the last three seasons, they have gained three consecutive promotions－ from the English National League to League Two to League One, and now, the Championship.
Now that they are in the second tier of English football, the stakes have increased significantly, and they would have to add some quality to their squad to survive or even do the unthinkable by gaining Premier League promotion.
However, they do not have the financial power to sign the big boys. As such, they would have to make some smart signings to aid their push.
In this article, Soccernet.ng recommends five Super Eagles stars, who are low-budget, but would definitely deliver quality performances if they work with a good coach.
1. Victor Moses
Victor Moses retired from international football in August 2018, but he remains one of the best-ever Super Eagles wingers.
At club level, Moses packs a lot of experience, especially in England. He has played for Wigan, Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham. He has also played for Inter Milan, Fenerbahce, and Spartak Moscow.
Moses has won multiple trophies in England and Russia. Many fans would remember how he played an important role in Chelsea’s Premier League triumph in 2017 with Antonio Conte.
Moses’ career has regressed in recent years. He joined Luton Town last season, but he played a peripheral role for them. And now he is a free agent.
Nonetheless, Moses might still have a little juice in him that would be useful for a club like Wrexham. If he works under a good coach, the retired Super Eagles star could produce some magic. He would also be budget friendly.
2. Jamilu Collins
Jamilu Collins is coming off a torrid year at Cardiff City. The Super Eagles defender lost his place in the team as he fell out with the club. Collins was limited to just three appearances appearances last season.
The 30-year-old is now a free agent after his contract at the club expired. And he is in search of a new club.
Collins has experience in helping clubs gain promotion, as he helped Paderborn gain promotion from the German 3rd tier to Bundesliga 2. and then the Bundesliga.
He couldn’t help Cardiff City gain promotion to the English top-flight, but he would definitely add quality to newcomers Wrexham. He will sign for free, and his wages would not high.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho is at the lowest point in his career right now. He joined Sevilla for free last season after he was deemed as surplus to requirements. But he did not cut it there and had to join Championship club Middlesbrough in January.
Upon his move, he enjoyed a lot of game time at first. But coach Michael Carrick had to start benching him as he failed to deliver. Iheanacho ended the campaign with one goals and two assists in 15 appearances.
Middlesbrough refused to sign the 28-year-old Super Eagles forward after the end of the season. And Sevilla do not want him back. Hence, Iheanacho has to find a new club this summer.
He is valued at €4.5 million per Transfermarkt, but Sevilla might even accept less.
Iheanacho would be a risky bet for Wrexham. But a player like him who has something prove could come good eventually. He definitely has the talent, as he showed it at Leicester City. He has also won multiple trophies in his career. That winning mentality is something that would be welcomed in every dressing room.
All Iheanacho needs is a coach who can put him in a working system and get the best out of him. He could become a serious attacking threat for the club.
4. Josh Maja
Josh Maja would definitely be a marquee signing if Wrexham manage to wrestle him off West Brom’s grasp.
The Super Eagles star is valued at €10 million, and West Brom could even demand more to let Maja leave, as he still has one year left on his contract.
Maja is a serious attacking threat when he is in a good team. He is quick, physical, and uses the ball really well.
Last season, he contributed 12 goals and two assists in 26 league appearances for West Brom. He probably would have scored more if not for injuries. His absence eventually affected his team’s Premier League promotion push.
Getting Maja would cost Wrexham a lot of money. But players like Maja could make the difference for them.
5. Semi Ajayi
Super Eagles star Semi Ajayi would be a fine addition to Wrexham’s backline.
He is currently a free agent after leaving West Brom at the expiration of his contract last season.
Ajayi was an integral part of the West Brom team that gained Premier League promotion in the 2020, so his experience is not in doubt. The 31-year-old is brilliant in the air － defensively and offensively. He is also strong and big, which makes him difficult to bully.
Wrexham would have to move quickly though, as Ajayi also has suitors from other Championship clubs.