Wrexham have finally landed a first signing of the summer – and it’s a deal which has left Rob McElhenney feeling very, very happy.
July is fast approaching and whilst most of the focus right now is on Euro 2024, the new league season will certainly come around quickly.
Wrexham fans are now just a few days away from learning the League One fixture list, returning to the third tier for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Phil Parkinson certainly needs signings to bolster his squad having guided Wrexham to back-to-back promotions from the National League.
There isn’t exactly a flurry of transfer activity at this stage in the window but some Wrexham supporters have been feeling a little twitchy given the work needed on Parkinson’s squad.
The first signing of the summer has though arrived – and it’s a major deal for Wrexham…
Rob McElhenney reacts to Arthur Okonkwo deal
Wrexham unearthed a real gem last season, taking goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on loan from Arsenal.
The young stopper arrived after Ben Foster’s retirement and ended up becoming a firm fan favourite at the STōK Cae Ras.
Okonkwo turned in a superb campaign at Wrexham and ended up in the League Two Team of the Season.
Arsenal decided to let Okonkwo move on at the end of his contract this summer, sparking a race for his signature.
Wrexham have now managed to pull off an enormous coup, securing Okonkwo to a permanent deal.
Wrexham not only have a quality goalkeeper to call upon in League One, but also a real asset who could bring in cash down the line.
This move has sparked real delight in the Wrexham fanbase and that sentiment is shared by co-chairman Rob McElhenney.
Taking to social media on Saturday, McElhenney posted a picture of cartoon character ‘Arthur’ alongside the message ‘oh hello’.
McElhenney then wondered what some fans were even worried about, suggesting that there was always confidence inside Wrexham that a deal would be done.
McElhenney also responded with ‘I am’ when the Rob Ryan Red podcast asked whether supporters were happy with the move.
It’s clear that McElhenney is delighted with the move and shares the excitement of fans with the first summer signing now secured.
Okonkwo on Wrexham move
Okonkwo is delighted too and is looking to settle down at the STōK Cae Ras after an outstanding loan campaign last season.
The 22-year-old took to Instagram to share a message after his deal was confirmed, stating ‘glad to be back! Feels like home’.
Okonkwo also spoke to Wrexham’s official website, admitting that he can’t wait to get back to work.
There was also some praise for McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds with Okonkwo feeling that the duo are ‘so good’.
“I’m feeling very good, I’m so happy to have finally signed and I can’t wait to get back to it,” said Okonkwo. “It was amazing last season. We had so many good memories together with the fans, and knowing they wanted me back was a big reason that I’m back. It’s good to finally be here.”
“This is home, it’s felt like that since last season when I came in. The co-chairmen are so good, the manager, the coaches, the players, and obviously the backroom staff that you don’t see. It’s so good to be here,” he added.
It’s clear that last season’s experience really left a lasting mark on Okonkwo, making a permanent move seem so appealing.
Working under McElhenney and Reynolds is certainly a pull for potential signings and Okonkwo has just proven that having spent time at Wrexham last term.
Okonkwo is just one piece of the puzzle for Wrexham as summer transfer business ramps up, but that Wrexham have managed to secure his signature is a huge start to the window.
The post Rob McElhenney reacts to Arthur Okonkwo deal as Wrexham complete transfer coup appeared first on The Wrexham Insider.