Wrexham failed to land a deadline day move for Terry Devlin, which burdens Issa Kabore as the only reliable profile for the RWB role.
With the winter transfer whirlwind finally over at the Racecourse, the fans’ assessment period begins. While the Reds get the first glimpse of Wrexham’s finalised roster this weekend, the early signs are promising.
Transitioning smoothly from a seller to a buyer towards the end, Wrexham clutched their way on the deadline day. With multiple loans secured for game-time ridden stars, the Reds complemented it with a couple of crucial signings.
Overall, Wrexham’s combined business spending stood at around £4.5m. Considering this included 2 instant impact signings in Keillor-Dunn and Zak Vyner, apart from a future option in Bailey Cadamarteri, the Reds deserve praise for bagging such cost-effective deals.
Being expected to reinforce the defence and striking department, Wrexham overdelivered with double centre-forward signings completed instead of the one speculated.
However, one aspect holds back Wreham’s transfer window from being a perfect one. It’s for the lack of a right-back signing that stood as the Reds’ priority reinforcement while heading into the January transfer window.
While Issa Kabore has won over fans since his injury comeback, his offensive presence still costs his defensive display. It was evident that he needed Max Cleworth to step up the pitch to win over the balls for him to deliver those crosses in the box against Sheffield Wednesday.
Though an attack-oriented playstyle is appreciated, Wrexham can’t rely on this approach every time. Here, a balanced right-back signing would’ve helped, bringing in a profile that defends as meticulously as he attacks.
Wrexham’s Terry Devlin miss is a big one
Wrexham had an RWB signing on their mind for a fair share of January. The club’s oscillating interest from Hampus Skoglund to Yan Valery to ultimately Terry Devlin confirmed their plans.
On the deadline day, Wrexham felt close to being rewarded for their patience in the market with Devlin’s move. A proven Championship prodigy up for grabs, the Pompey star looked like the ideal profile Wrexham needed.
A fighter personality, a versatile starter that can fill in multiple positions, Terry Devlin’s profile was tailor-made for Wrexham. Add to this his price tag of just 2m, Devlin could’ve been the best cost-effective addition to compete with Kabore for the starting role.
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Until the very last, Wrexham looked likely to get his deal over the line. But with the clock hitting deadline, the Devlin-to-Wrexham deal imploded, despite being touted as all but done.
Missing out on an up-and-rising star like Terry Devlin is a big blow for Wrexham. Its possible repercussions remain to be seen on how the promotion race shapes up ahead.
What are Wrexham’s options for the RWB role?
Being unable to finalise a deal for Terry Devlin, and no loan move for rumoured target Festy Ebosele, means Wrexham continue unchanged in the RWB department. The Reds will see out the end of the season with their existing options in Issa Kabore, Ryan Longman and Ryan Barnett.
Though a transfer failure on one hand, Wrexham’s final decision shows their steadfast trust in Ryan Barnett. Having been touted for a January departure, Barnett’s stay says for his place in Phil Parkinson’s plans.
So far, Barnett has seen game time come rare in the Championship season. The 26-year-old has served as the 3rd choice behind Kabore & Longman, filling in the RB spot only in limited appearances.
While there’s an ever-present scope for improvement, it speaks to Wrexham’s vulnerability in the case of an injury. With Longman’s defensive prowess already dubious and Barnett being inexperienced at the Championship level, Wrexham can see a crisis in Kabore’s absence.
That’s not forgetting the Man City prodigy’s contractual status, as he remains on loan only until this season. With a permanent spell not in the current equation, Wrexham will need to sit back and decide on their RB role later.
For now, the issue is comparatively less grave as long as Wrexham keep outscoring its opponents. But the Reds have merely delayed a necessity to strengthen the right-back area by not acting on Devlin’s deal.
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- League Two club seals double Wrexham signing on deadline day
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