League Two outfit Cheltenham Town have signed Mo Faal and Harry Ashfield from Wrexham on deadline day.
The January transfer fiasco is over with a clutch finish for Wrexham and its fans. Not only did the Reds bolster their roster with multiple deadline day signings, but they also played the smart dealer by finding lower-tier clubs for all their exit-touted stars.
With moves like Elliot Lee to Doncaster and a Huddersfield exit for Ryan Hardie, Wrexham aided multiple lower-tier clubs. However, no side was luckier than Cheltenham as they won a transfer double from the Reds.
Be it prodigy Jake Bickerstaff’s recent spell or club hero Ben Tozer’s 2021 move, Wrexham have been on brilliant business terms with Cheltenham. The latest deadline day activity proved their symbiosis once again as the Reds loaned Harry Ashfield and Mo Faal for development to the Robins.
Wrexham confirmed about Ashfield’s eleventh-hour move, quoting: “Harry Ashfield will join Cheltenham Town on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 season. Good luck, Ashy”
Ashfield’s exit confirmation was shortly followed by Mo Faal’s departure. Wrexham wished the striker good luck for joining Ashfield at Cheltenham, saying: “Mo Faal will join Harry Ashfield and see out the remainder of the season on loan at Cheltenham Town.”
Harry Ashfield’s move crucial for his Wrexham future
Ever since the January transfer window began, prodigy Harry Ashfield had been in departure talks. Phil Parkinson’s mid-January confirmation confirmed an impending move for the teenager, who’s not a part of Wrexham’s first team plans just yet.
Having seen regular game time come rare, a developmental loan stood as the best option to help Ashfield’s senior-level game experience. What better than a manageable League Two spell? Given that most of his appearances for Wrexham had been in the EFL Trophy and Cups.
READ MORE: Sky Sports name new striker Wrexham will sign after Bailey Cadamarteri
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So far, Harry Ashfield’s resume has had little to show for EFL Leagues. After making his Championship debut for Wrexham, this Cheltenham spell ought to give him his first taste of senior English division football.
Having scored two goals in his limited Wrexham game time, Ashfield has proven his capabilities, showcasing a knack for scoring goals. With Cheltenham sitting 18th in League Two, Ashfield has been handed a challenging opportunity to steer the club’s sinking ship.
While Ashfield possesses the quality to help the Robins finish mid-table, it remains to be seen how the teenager fares in his inaugural loan spell. Tied to the club until the end of the season, an impressive spell could go a long way in determining his Wrexham future and career beyond.
Mo Faal expected to follow in Jake Bickerstaff’s footsteps
Being brought in 2024 for a record fee, Mo Faal has been an exciting prospect in Wrexham’s ranks. While his first team game time has been limited, he has impressed for the Reds in the EFL Trophy.
Faal’s impressive tally of 3 goals in 7 EFL Trophy games earned him a loan to League One side Port Vale last summer. However, his recent injury led to Port Vale terminating his spell, and he now joins Cheltenham until the end of the season.
Currently out injured, Mo Faal’s return lies in jeopardy. But Wrexham would hope for the 22-year-old to follow in teammate Bickerstaff’s footsteps after his injury comeback.
Notably, Jake Bickerstaff left Wrexham for a Cheltenham loan last summer. Despite it being a temporary move, his performances impressed the League Two club, with them signing Bickerstaff permanently this January.
Having had an excellent League Two track record with 13 goals in the 23/24 season, Faal will be expected to replicate Bickerstaff’s feat. With the recent signings of Davis Keillor-Dunn and Bailey Cadamarteri, chances are grim that Faal becomes a Wrexham regular anytime soon.
Factoring in all these, the best case would be for Faal to return in red-hot form after injury. A brilliant spell could see Wrexham collect a significant paycheck for him with the first team’s striking roster already power-packed.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- Sky Sports name new striker Wrexham will sign after Bailey Cadamarteri
- ‘Pushing’ – Wrexham say no to Unai Emery in favour of Championship right-back
- ‘Unless’ – Phil Parkinson’s Ryan Hardie wish fulfilled (transfer is on)
- Wrexham willing to splash big for flop Serie A striker on deadline day
- Wrexham shortlist 2 right-backs as late winter targets (both are international stars)
