Wrexham is actively up and running alongside Oxford United and other clubs to secure 26-year-old French talent, Kalidou Sidibe’s January deal.
All attacker rumours and no defensive links make Wrexham fans dull. That’s what one gets to say, given the Dragon fans haven’t heard over defenders except for departure announcements.
It ain’t difficult to convince oneself how the Welsh club’s transfer window has been forward-centric even before it actually began. While the initial fuss around Windass’ exit has cooled down, Wrexham’s transfer talks have seen a fair share of forward and only forward’s links.
Agreed, timely cases like Sergio Ramos pop up, but the percentage feels too low to show for Wrexham’s issues.
Not to forget, even if Ramos ends up at Wrexham, the legend’s signing comes more as a popularity boost than a sporting benefit. While the charismatic leader-figure could offer a year or more, the Dragons shouldn’t rely on him to cover their weaklinks.
That’s because Wrexham’s festive period success was itself a story of two halves. Though there was no better attacking unit than the Dragons, the club didn’t hesitate to concede goals, too.
Despite just letting in a single goal in the last 2 evenings, Wrexham recorded one of the worst defensive displays in the Championship over the last five games. That’s more than an issue to be concerned about, especially given the club’s Top Flight ambitions.
Wrexham fancy chances on Kalidou Sidibe
Thankfully, strengthening the defence department feels like an emerging top priority in the Wrexham camp. And what better than this? Given the club eyes a versatile player for the job, one who could manage the pivot role while filling in the back three if needed.
As per French outlet Foot Mercato, it’s 26-year-old former PSG academy graduate, Kalidou Sidibe. With his consistent performances this season, the Guingamp regular has emerged as a January signing for multiple clubs, including Championship sides, Oxford United & Wrexham.
Agreed, Wrexham’s better playoff hopes pose an attractive pull, but the Dragons must do everything possible to get the midfielder’s signature.
That’s because the possible upside with Sidibe is actually unimaginable. Being 6’7, Sidibe brings with him a natural physical dominance that’s not just limited to defending prowess.
Not to forget, while Callum Doyle’s rise at Wrexham has been inspired by his balanced defensive work rate, his noticeable heading advantage on corners has been crucial. With Sidibe joining in as one of the tallest outfield players in the Championship, the Dragons’ attacking prowess from setpieces could increase many times over.
Wrexham ought to repeat French PL success with Sidibe
Just like Brazilian playmakers, German discipline, and Spanish leaders have seen an all-time prominence in football, French pivots and PL success have been an epic tale, too. Be it then Patrick Viera for Arsenal, Claude Makelele for Chelsea, or N’Golo Kanté for Leicester and later Chelsea.
Agreed, going all the way for a Premier League title is still a far-fetched dream for Wrexham, but they can definitely borrow this cheat code from the Top Flight manual.
Taking a look at Wrexham after the 3-4-3 formation switch, the presence of creative wingbacks and tall forwards provides more than enough upfront. That’s where the Dragons ought to utilise this flexibility and stabilise their midfield with a possible double pivot.
Just imagine a dominant figure in Sidibe, coupled with Lewis O’Brien deep in midfield. With the former managing the aerial duels while O’Brien controlling the tempo, Wrexham could envision a near-perfect system with all checkboxes ticked.
That’s still taking out Sidibe’s creative ability, which has seen him register 2 assists until halfway in the Ligue 2 campaign this season.
Now, the final decision stands between Rob & Ryan and the authorities concerned. Still, what’s certain is just like their recent links, Sidibe is another player profile who can offer a lot to Wrexham sportingly. Shall the Dragons make a move for him? Let’s see.
