Fabrizio Romano issues update on Wrexham target Sidiki Cherif as the 19-year-old is closing a Süper Lig move to Fenerbahçe.
Bodø striker Kasper Høgh has been the latest name in Wrexham’s rumour mill for a striking reinforcement. While this new development excites fans for a UCL star signing, it also sheds light on Wrexham’s changing stance on previous target options.
So far, Wrexham has been linked with a plethora of forward names in Sidiki Cherif, Adam Armstrong, Szmodics and many others. However, their ongoing search hints at a stalemate with these previous rumours.
Even discounting for Adam Armstrong and the recently linked Szmodics, Wrexham’s interest in Sidiki Cherif had been quite extensive. Phil Parkinson’s visit to see him play speaks of the heightened anticipation that existed for Cherif’s move.
Well, it turns out that the rumour has completely lost momentum in recent times. Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano’s update confirms this, as Cherif is now heading to the Süper Lig instead of the English division.
Fabrizio quoted his imminent Fenerbahçe move, saying: “Sidiki Cherif informs Angers about his preference to join Fenerbahçe as clear priority. Fenerbahçe offer for the striker: loan with obligation to buy worth package around €22m.”
Given the transfer terms of an obligatory purchase, Sidiki Cherif will not be signing up for a Wrexham move anytime soon. With a permanent Fenerbahçe deal, Cherif & Wrexham are unlikely to be rumoured again.
Sidiki Cherif to Wrexham is over for good
Ever since the Cherif to Wrexham rumour broke out, a fair section of the Reds fans have been pessimistic about the move. While the excitement for a record transfer prevailed, Wrexham’s interest in the teenager’s deal raised multiple questions.
Despite being an English division high-flyer, Wrexham’s decision to spend £19m for a teenager came off as unnecessary. Especially, noting that Cherif’s 4-goal campaign places him as a future option and not an instant hit signing.
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Add to this his ongoing injury woes, as the forward’s return lies unknown after a hard knock to his ankle. Factoring in all these, Cherif’s move felt dubious if he could have succeeded in the physically demanding Championship.
Even otherwise, Sidiki Cherif’s links had dragged Wrexham into avoidable drama with financial experts accusing them of unfair spending. If his move had gone through, it would’ve just added to the agenda of using a share of the Welsh government grant in Cherif’s signing.
Combine this with Wrexham’s churn and burn player policy, and Cherif’s links are over for good.
Who will bring Wrexham’s striking hunt to an end?
For a fair share of the January transfer window, Sidiki Cherif has been touted as Wrexham’s priority option. With him close to joining Fenerbahçe and Middlesbrough running for Adam Armstrong’s deal, the Reds’ options are limited.
Despite being linked to many strikers, Wrexham’s realistic candidates have been just a few. This list also excludes Kasper Høgh, as the forward remains a dream target for quite a lot of clubs.
Considering the options left, Wrexham’s best bet can be going all in for Sammie Szmodics. A former Championship golden boot winner, who can play either as a number 10 or a number 9, Szmodics’ signing can elevate Wrexham’s squad strength in two positions.
Szmodics’ arrival gives boss Phil Parkinson the leverage to use him as a rotation player for his top goal scorers, Kieffer Moore & Josh Windass. Having an eye for the goal, the Ipswich forward turns Wrexham into a more lethal attack force.
Having had a stop-start season so far, Wrexham can coup his signing for a reasonably low price. The signing of Sammie Szmodics alongside Zak Vyner can bring the Reds’ transfer window to a conclusive end.
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