Bolton Wanderers lead the race to sign Wrexham striker Ryan Hardie before the deadline day of the January transfer window.
Wrexham are in the midst of a major recruitment drive to bring the January window to a conclusive end. With multiple departures ensured in recent days, the Reds are quickly crossing off items from their to-do list.
Already making contacts for a new striking option after Cherif’s rumour gone cold, the Reds turn to another critical goal. That is, enabling a transfer route for out-of-favour star Ryan Hardie before the deadline.
Despite being linked to multiple rumours before January, Hardie’s case lost the spotlight once the window kicked on. To the 28-year-old’s relief, a suitor has shown extensive interest in him that can resolve his quest for regular game-time again.
As per Transfer Correspondent Pete O’Rourke, Bolton has come asking for Hardie’s move. The journalist updated on his transfer status, saying: “Bolton are leading the hunt for Wrexham striker Ryan Hardie and are pushing to get a deal done before Monday’s transfer deadline.”
Though the nature of interest remains unrevealed on whether it’s a permanent transfer or a loan deal, chances are Hardie makes a temporary exit. Having arrived as the inaugural signing last summer, an underwhelming spell doesn’t eliminate him from Wrexham’s plans.
League One challenge comes at the perfect time for Hardie
From the surface, Ryan Hardie’s distress remains crystal clear. Having fallen in boss Parky’s pecking order after some initial starts, it’s been a stop-start campaign for him so far.
With constant injuries and forwards like Kieffer Moore shining, Hardie has been reduced to the status of a benchwarmer. Naturally, game-time lures him, and a League One campaign may be the perfect move.
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Even otherwise, after being relegated with Plymouth Argyle last season, Hardie was supposed to be a League One competitor if not for a Wrexham move. This Bolton rumour feels like destiny is helping him take a step back to a lower tier to help him rediscover his confidence again.
Despite not standing upto Wrexham’s expectations, Hardie’s calibre remains undoubted. Having racked up 10 goals in the 2nd tier at Plymouth last season, Hardie possesses more than enough to be a League One hit.
That’s not forgetting how a lower-tier football can come a lot easier to a professional like him. Additionally, Hardie has a brilliant chance to be promoted with an in-form Bolton side, which could refuel him for Championship success again.
Ryan Hardie to form partnership with Sam Dalby
It’s not the first time Wrexham and Bolton have found themselves linked in transfer rumours this January. With club hero Paul Mullin previously on Bolton’s radar, the two sides have sat across the table before.
Back then, a key influencer promoting the deal’s chances was the presence of Sam Dalby at Bolton. Having been part of a super sub symbiosis with Super Mulls as the lead, the duo’s possible reunion was seen driving the transfer forward.
While the move never materialised, Ryan Hardie now has a similar opportunity that Mullin had before.
Possibly, the only thing that’s changed since then is Sam Dalby’s prominence at Bolton. Though a backup weeks ago, Dalby has recently won over the starting spot as he emerged as the star of the show for his brace in Bolton’s 2-1 win over Burton.
On one hand, this complicates the pecking order for Ryan Hardie to directly get the go-ahead in the starting XI. However, on the other hand, it screams for the opportunity up for grabs in Bolton’s attack.
A key reason that’s influenced Dalby’s rise is Bolton’s injuries in the attack force. While displacing Sam comes as a challenge, Ryan Hardie can still emerge as the new lead. Being older and more experienced, Hardie can naturally stamp his authority if he gets going fire from his early days.
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