Former Wrexham captain Luke Young has sent a clear message to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as the club awaits a decision on his future.
Arthur Okonkwo was signed by Wrexham last summer as a replacement for the retiring Ben Foster.
Initially, many felt the 22-year-old would arrive as a number two with Mark Howard grabbing the No.1 jersey but the Arsenal loanee quickly made his presence felt.
Okonkwo played a starring role in Wrexham’s promotion-winning campaign, earning recognition for his outstanding saves by featuring in the League Two Team of the Season.
As a result, the 6 foot 6 shot-stopper has attracted interest from the Championship, although the Reds remain keen on signing the youngster permanently following his release from the Gunners.
Rob McElhenney has even said they are actively speaking to the goalkeeper and he wants a return to the Racecourse Ground this summer.
Okonkwo ultimately has a big decision to make about his future and departing Wrexham player Luke Young has offered him some words of advice.
Luke Young shares verdict on Arthur Okonkwo’s future
After six years and over 250 appearances, Young was released from his contract at Wrexham this summer.
The 31-year-old is currently looking for his next challenge, though upon reflecting on his time in Wales, he was asked about several topics, including the future of Okonkwo.
Young has sent a clear message to the young goalkeeper, mentioning how he has the full backing of Wrexham supporters and that level of appreciation should go a long way.
Speaking on the Rob Ryan Red podcast, Young said: “Whether it’s going to happen or not, he probably didn’t know then whether it’s going to happen or not. But you’ve got the appreciation and the love of the fans that want you to stay, chanting ‘one more year’.
“You have the fans behind you so whether it happens or not; if it happens, brilliant. If it doesn’t happen, they’re still going to love you for what you’ve been a part of and what you’ve achieved so, is he going to turn around and stay?
“Obviously, I can’t say yes or no because I have no idea. But it wouldn’t surprise me if he does, getting promoted and then the ambition of the club of wanting to get promoted again.”
Arthur Okonkwo signing is a model Wrexham must follow
Wrexham captured Okonkwo on loan from Premier League side Arsenal.
Whether they now capture the Englishman permanently remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain, acquiring players on loan from top-flight clubs is a model McElhenney and Reynolds must follow in the future.
There is so much value in targeting youngsters on loan from these clubs and watching them flourish in the first-team. Stockport County did it last year with the signing of Louie Barry from Aston Villa, and now they want to sign the 20-year-old permanently.
Not only does it give these young players a platform to show their skillset and become popular with supporters, but it also saves the club a lot of money.
In some instances, Premier League sides will pay their wages in full during their loan spell whilst others will pay a fraction, which is still hugely beneficial.
The post ‘Wouldn’t surprise me’: Luke Young sends clear message to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham await decision on future appeared first on The Wrexham Insider.