Wrexham fans are still waiting for a first signing of the summer as Phil Parkinson prepares to lead the club into League One.
Promotion to League One was always going to bring major changes – and plenty of speculation.
Wrexham were a National League side just over a year ago so major reinforcements are needed to raise the level of the squad.
We are yet to see a new arrival at the STōK Cae Ras though with business a little slow across League One; after all, we are only a few days into June.
Not every team will operate quite like Rotherham United, who have already made a staggering seven signings this summer.
Wrexham are though active in the market and are looking to bring singings through the door, even if one target can now be ruled out.
Wrexham miss out on Jason Kerr as Ryan Reynolds used in announcement
New centre backs are an absolute priority for Phil Parkinson and co.
The Wrexham boss has allowed Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe to move on this summer.
Wrexham have cleared the decks for new blood to arrive at the back but one target has slipped through the net.
Reports last week indicated that Wrexham were ‘pushing’ to sign Wigan Athletic defender Jason Kerr.
Out of contract this summer, Kerr has been with Wigan since 2021 having previously captained St Johnstone.
Wrexham viewed Kerr as a potential addition in defence but suggestions over the weekend were that he was more likely to stay at Wigan.
Well, the Latics have now confirmed that Kerr has signed a new two-year deal to stay at the Brick Community Stadium – and have poked some fun at Ryan Reynolds in the process.
Wigan posted a clip of Reynolds stating ‘there’s so much speculation about so many people’, lifted from interview about Taylor Swift potentially featuring in a Marvel film.
The Latics have certainly paid attention to Wrexham’s interest in Kerr, hence using co-chairman Reynolds to tease the contract announcement.
Wigan then announced that Kerr is indeed staying, ending the Wrexham ‘speculation’ once and for all.
The Rob Ryan Red podcast add that Wrexham have been ‘turned down for a better offer’ with Wigan managing to keep hold of their defender.
Wigan reaction to Kerr deal
Wrexham have hoped to strengthen Parkinson’s squad whilst weakening a League One rival but Kerr has decided to stay put.
Wigan certainly seem delighted with that development with boss Shaun Maloney sharing his reaction to the news.
Maloney feels that Kerr is an ‘important player’ at Wigan and believes that he can now kick on to become a ‘prominent leader’ moving forward.
“We’re delighted that Jason has extended his stay here, as he is an important player for our Football Club,” said Maloney. “Jason showed an outstanding work ethic in rehabilitation when I arrived and in the last six months, showed a high level of performance on the pitch. I look forward to Jason becoming a prominent leader at our Club,” he added.
That sentiment has been shared by sporting director Gregor Rioch, who feels that Kerr has battled back admirably from injury whilst being a real leader for the Latics.
“I’m delighted Jason has extended stay with Wigan Athletic. He showed incredible resolve while injured last season and produced some fantastic performances on his return to play last season. Jason has proven to be a leader both on and off the field and matches our ambitions as a Football Club,” he added.
Wrexham must now move on to other targets at the back with Marvin Ekpiteta potentially next up on the wish list.
The centre back has been released by Blackpool this summer and Wrexham are understood to be interested in a deal, which looks more enticing now Kerr is off the table.
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