Wrexham are reigniting transfer interest in Portsmouth full-back Terry Devlin after the club narrowly missed his deal on the January transfer window deadline day.
Wrexham’s win over Sheffield United could hardly have come at a better time. Not only does it send the players into a much‑needed rest, but it also gives the management breathing space to look ahead to next season’s preparations without the added pressure of a playoff scramble.
It’s worth noting that Wrexham’s transfer rumour mill has barely stopped spinning despite the January window being long over. With names like Ross Barkley and Andy Robertson linked, Wrexham are in for an exciting summer ahead.
The speculation for the summer transfer window is heating up because Wrexham are determined to correct their previous mistakes. This follows after the Reds are tipped to revisit a key deal they missed in January.
Fans will hardly have forgotten that signing a right‑wing‑back was Wrexham’s priority in January. Though the club had initiated contacts with Portsmouth full‑back Terry Devlin, the move fell through on deadline day.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Wrexham are set to reignite their interest in Devlin this summer. The full‑back’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with the Reds still searching for a reliable backup to Issa Kabore.
Wrexham’s decision to revisit Devlin’s deal is smart move
Recent weeks have laid bare the gulf in quality between Wrexham’s first‑choice and backup right‑wing‑backs. While Kabore has been phenomenal in the role, Ryan Longman’s recent displays have been far from impressive.
Wrexham’s recent 1-3 defeat to Watford exposed Longman’s defensive vulnerability. Having been asked to track back multiple times, Longman was simply unable to catch up with Watford’s pacey wingers on his flank.
The result was that Watford exploited Wrexham down Longman’s flank. By the time Kabore was introduced around the hour mark, the damage had already been done.
Given those shortcomings, it’s little surprise Wrexham are revisiting Terry Devlin as an option to add depth at wing‑back.
READ MORE: Josh Windass settles the Wayne Rooney vs Neymar debate (Wrexham fans will agree)
READ MORE: ‘Top 10’ – Wrexham coach tells brutal truth from 2-1 Sheffield United turnaround
READ MORE: Swansea slam Sky Sports and Wrexham owners for actions in 2-0 Welsh derby
With six goal contributions in the Championship this season, Devlin’s attacking output bears comparison with Kabore’s. Crucially, his natural right‑back instincts also offer the defensive cover that has been sorely lacking on that flank.
Wrexham’s pursuit of Devlin could land them far more than just a backup wing‑back. Not only can Devlin fill in during Kabore’s absence, but he can also compete neck to neck with the Burkina Faso International for the starting role.
In fact, Devlin looks like a low‑risk option for Wrexham. If the Reds fail to meet Manchester City’s demands for a permanent deal for Issa Kabore, Devlin could slot in as the first‑choice wing‑back.
Devlin rumours re-originate at perfect time for Wrexham
Even though Wrexham are unlikely to make significant progress on a Devlin deal before the summer, his rumours are resurfacing at the perfect time for Wrexham.
Recently, Devlin’s Portsmouth suffered a 6‑1 humiliation at the hands of QPR. Despite almost matching the Hoops in xG and actually taking more shots, Pompey conceded everything that came their way.
Terry Devlin was one of the rare shining spots for Portsmouth in this embarrassing performance. He made no glaring errors and even threatened the QPR keeper with an exceptional long-range shot in the first half to ignite comeback hopes.
But despite his appreciable display, Portsmouth let him down completely. This defeat takes Pompey to a 6-game winless streak, out of which the side has lost 5 games.
As a result, Portsmouth are lurking around the relegation zone. If their dismal run continues, they could be playing League One football next season.
For a rising star like Terry Devlin, a move to a more competitive side is becoming increasingly logical. With Wrexham already interested, there’s every reason to believe he’d take any approach from the Reds seriously.
The fact that Wrexham remain in contention for Premier League promotion only strengthens their case. If the club reaches Top-Flight, it would be more than enough to lure Devlin for a summer move.
In the end, everything seems to be aligning in Wrexham’s favour. Though they narrowly missed signing Terry Devlin in January, they might make up for it by signing him this summer.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- Josh Windass settles the Wayne Rooney vs Neymar debate (Wrexham fans will agree)
- ‘Top 10’ – Wrexham coach tells brutal truth from 2-1 Sheffield United turnaround
- Swansea slam Sky Sports and Wrexham owners for actions in 2-0 Welsh derby
- Wrexham predicted to beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane (stats don’t lie)
- Supercomputer predicts Wrexham to get X points from remaining 8 games
