Wrexham announce their updated 2025/26 squad, leaving out Callum Burton and Lewis Brunt from their summer squad list.
Following a successful transfer window, Wrexham are finalizing preparations for the second half of the season. While the club continues its promotion dream against Millwall next, the Reds have put the finishing touches to their 2025/26 Championship squad.
Wrexham updated about the development, quoting: “In line with EFL regulations, Wrexham AFC has submitted its updated 2025/26 squad list.”
As per the club’s official website, Wrexham have named 23 players to see out the end of this EFL league campaign. They are:
- Ryan Barnett
- Nathan Broadhead
- Liberato Cacace
- Max Cleworth
- George Dobson
- Callum Doyle
- Dominic Hyam
- Matty James
- Issa Kaboré
- Davis Keillor-Dunn
- Ryan Longman
- Kieffer Moore
- Arthur Okonkwo
- Lewis O’Brien
- Ollie Rathbone
- Jay Rodriguez
- Dan Scarr
- Ben Sheaf
- Sam Smith
- George Thomason
- Zac Vyner
- Danny Ward
- Josh Windass
Wrexham repeat summer squad trick again
Though the EFL rules permit up to 25 registrations in the squad, Wrexham have opted to see out this season with just 23 names. However, it’s not the first time they’ve done this, as the Reds picked only 24 players in the list submitted last summer.
Last time, there was no Danny Ward as the keeper suffered a substantial elbow injury after just 4 league games. That list also didn’t feature Ollie Rathbone, as the midfielder stood on the sidelines recovering.
With 24 players named, Wrexham kept room for an emergency free transfer. This also kept open the possibility of a sensational comeback like the one Rathbone pulled after his injury return.
This time, Wrexham have gone a step further by naming a 23-man squad. Compared to the previous list, this follows from the exclusion of defender Lewis Brunt and keeper Callum Burton, apart from the departees.
Though an unconventional strategy, this has Wrexham leave space for a couple of free agent signings outside the transfer window and to cater to man management in case of any injury outbreak.
Lewis Brunt’s exclusion says for his injury status
Barring the departed players, only 2 players in Brunt & Burton have not been retained by Wrexham from their summer squad. While Burton’s exclusion lacks reasoning, Brunt’s update hints at his recovery status.
Having won the starting spot at the end of last season, Lewis Brunt had a decent Championship start this season. However, he’s nowhere to be seen near the first team after the injury he picked up in late October.
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Ever since then, he’s spent time on the sidelines after undergoing the operation for his thigh injury. The recent squad exclusion means that despite it being months since his absence, Brunt is returning no sooner on the pitch again.
This not only comes as a setback for the 25-year-old, but also puts his Wrexham future in the air. With Zak Vyner replacing him in the squad, it’ll be a lot more challenging for Brunt to make his way back into the starting XI.
Burton’s exclusion isn’t coincidence
While Wrexham were left with no other option than to exclude Brunt, the club’s choice to leave out Callum Burton isn’t coincidental. With no injuries confirmed for him, this omission suggests a worry for his Wrexham future.
That’s because only days before, Wrexham renewed prodigy keeper Reuben Egan’s contract. With him tied until the end of the season, and Okonkwo shining as the starter alongside Ward’s injury return, Burton is falling down the pecking order.
Though a lack of game time has haunted Burton throughout his recent spells, his situation feels miserable due to his Wrexham performances. In the limited 10 appearances he has made, the keeper has been impressive with 6 clean sheets, and just 8 goals conceded.
With his Wrexham contract running until 2027, Burton is tied for at least the next 6 months with minimal game time. While he remains eligible for FA Cup games, it’s dubious if Phil Parkinson will hand him the responsibility in an important knockout against Ipswich.
Barring a miracle, Callum Burton’s season is over. Though a comeback is always possible, the keeper needs something as surreal as Ollie Rathbone’s surge to rise in Parky’s pecking order.
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