Wrexham AFC has made a significant statement of intent as they prepare for their return to the Championship, shattering their transfer record to sign Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town. The deal for the 27-year-old Welsh international is reportedly worth £10 million (approximately $13.5 million), marking a new era of spending for the club under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Broadhead, a versatile forward capable of playing both as a winger and through the middle, returns to his native North Wales and the club where he began his career as a youth player after leaving Bangor City to join Wrexham's academy. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed his delight at securing Broadhead's signature, highlighting the player's desire to represent his hometown club.
The acquisition of Broadhead marks the third time Wrexham has broken its transfer record this summer. They initially paid £2.1 million for Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace. This figure was then surpassed by the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien for almost £5 million. The arrival of Broadhead eclipses both of these fees, signaling the club's ambition to compete in the Championship.
Broadhead's move to Wrexham comes after an impressive spell at Ipswich Town, where he scored 23 league goals in 76 appearances across three different divisions. In Ipswich's promotion-winning season in the Championship, Broadhead found the net 13 times, a feat Wrexham will be hoping he can replicate.
The signing of Broadhead has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans have questioned the spending by the club's Hollywood owners, while others see it as a necessary investment to compete in the Championship. The move has also sparked debate among rival club supporters, with some suggesting that Wrexham have overpaid for the player.
Wrexham's recent loss to Southampton in their opening Championship game may have also spurred the club to finalize the deal for Broadhead. Additionally, a recent injury to new signing Kieffer Moore has further highlighted the need for attacking reinforcements.
The transfer is subject to Broadhead passing a medical. Once finalized, he will become Phil Parkinson's ninth summer signing, further strengthening the squad for the challenges ahead. With the backing of Reynolds and McElhenney, and the global exposure from the "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary, the club is aiming to make a significant impact in their first season back in the Championship.
