“Patrick Bamford to Wrexham? These 2 Fan-Favorite Stars Could Be Shown the Door
Wrexham Eye Bamford as They Gear Up for First Championship Season in Decades
Wrexham are preparing for their first campaign in the Championship since the early 1980s.
While a fourth straight promotion may be a long shot, the Red Dragons are aiming to make a statement in the 2025/26 season.
According to TeamTalk, manager Phil Parkinson is reportedly interested in bringing in 31-year-old striker Patrick Bamford.
The Leeds United forward endured an injury-ridden season but still made 17 appearances off the bench as Leeds clinched the Championship title.
With Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth suggesting Bamford’s seven-year stint at Elland Road might be coming to an end, the rumors of a potential move to Wrexham could gather momentum as the transfer window approaches.
Bamford, when fit, has proven quality, and his addition would strengthen an already deep attacking lineup at the STōK Cae Ras, which features Sam Smith, Jack Marriott, and Jay Rodriguez.
This could mean even fewer opportunities for Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer, who already saw limited minutes during the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign.
Bamford’s Arrival Could Spell Exit for Longtime Wrexham Forwards
Mullin and Palmer have been key figures throughout Wrexham’s Hollywood-fueled rise, playing roles in all three successive promotions.
However, unlike consistent contributors such as Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell, Ryan Barnett, and Elliott Lee, the striking duo struggled for minutes in League One.
Mullin, in particular, made just nine starts across the season, although he did score in what may be his final appearance for the club — a 3-2 loss to Stevenage on January 28.
Palmer had a stronger start, featuring regularly in the first half of the season, starting 26 of the first 28 games. But with the winter arrivals of Smith and Rodriguez, and Marriott’s return from injury, he too was sidelined.
As Wrexham prepare for life in the second tier, they’re expected to add more firepower up front.
Given the age of Steven Fletcher (38) and Jay Rodriguez (35), the club is unlikely to rely on them alone for goals.
Whether Bamford is the right solution remains to be seen, but any new attacking addition will likely push Mullin and Palmer further down the depth chart.
Club Icons Still in Wrexham’s Plans
Despite their lack of recent involvement, Mullin and Palmer remain valued at the club.
Manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales that both will be involved in pre-season preparations.
“Mulls and Ollie will always be legends at the club for what they’ve done,” Parkinson said. “They’re under contract next year and they’ll be back in pre-season ready to go again.”
Palmer has one year remaining on his deal, while Mullin is contracted through to 2027.
With no immediate need to offload either, both players could still fight for a chance to experience Championship football for the first time in their careers.
