Wrexham have a first signing on board after Arthur Okonkwo’s return but another free agent won’t be joining.
Phil Parkinson needs new additions this summer and fans could hardly have imagined a better start to the summer than Arthur Okonkwo’s return.
The goalkeeper was simply outstanding on loan at Wrexham last season and has now joined from Arsenal on a full-time basis.
Wrexham now have a quality goalkeeper in place for years to come and the attention will turn elsewhere.
Wrexham must sign centre backs this summer having released Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe.
Competition is needed for the likes of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Thomas O’Connor, but one target has moved elsewhere.
Wrexham target Marvin Ekpiteta joins Hibernian
Speculation in May suggested that Wrexham were looking into the signing of Marvin Ekpiteta.
The former Leyton Orient man has come to the end of his Blackpool contract and has been available on a free transfer.
Ekpiteta racked up more than 100 appearances for Blackpool following a 2020 move and was named as their Player of the Season in 2022.
Wrexham were understood to be interested in signing Ekpiteta and keeping him in League One.
However, reports last week highlighted interest from Scottish side Hibernian – and they have managed to pull off a deal.
Ekpiteta has penned a three-year deal at Easter Road, officially ruling out a potential move to Wrexham in the process.
Ekpiteta explains move
Wrexham may well have been prepared to offer Ekpiteta a deal and another stint in League One.
However, Ekpiteta seemingly wanted a new experience rather than continue his time in the EFL.
Bouncing between League One and the Championship over the last four years, Ekpiteta has admitted wanting ‘something different’.
Speaking to Hibernian’s official website, Ekpiteta suggested that his Hibs move is a ‘new challenge’, something fresh away from the League One scene.
Ekpiteta noted that conversations have been going on for weeks now and Hibernian have managed to get the deal done.
“I am happy to get the deal done, it has been an ongoing conversation for a couple of weeks now so I am happy to get it over the line,” said Ekpiteta.
“There was a bit of initial interest at first, then my agents spoke to Malky and it progressed quite nicely. I liked everything that I heard about the Club and I liked what I have seen so far, so it’s definitely a good move for me.
“I have really enjoyed my career so far. I have come all the way up from non-league to the championship down south, now I am up in the Scotland and I feel my whole career I have been on an upward trajectory.
“The history (of the Club) was a bit thing for me and to play at this level against some really good teams was a big thing for me. It’s something different for me, a new challenge that I am looking forward to.”
Now set to battle against Celtic and Rangers, Ekpiteta heads to Scotland knowing one great season could land him in European action.
Ekpiteta is another name to cross off for Wrexham though, just like fellow defender Jason Kerr – and Parkinson will be looking to get a centre back snapped up soon as Wrexham look to build on Okonkwo’s arrival.
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