Wrexham are set to break their transfer record with a £10m move for Ipswich's Nathan Broadhead, sparking fan debate over spending by the club's Hollywood owners
Wrexham have been given the go ahead to smash their transfer record by completing a £10million deal for Nathan Broadhead. The Red Dragons have been chasing the signing of the Ipswich Town winger for the last few weeks.
The 27-year-old Wales international was understood to be keen on making a return to the Welsh side, where he started his career in the club's youth academy. It was previously reported that a deal had been agreed, however, the move was held up by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna due to a series of injuries plus transfer interest in other attacking players. That changed when the Tractor Boys completed the loan signing of Chuba Akpom from Ajax on Sunday.
The Championship new boys Wrexham have now been given the green light to complete the purchase after upping their offer to £10m. The player is believed to be on his way to his native home of North Wales to undergo a medical.
Once finalised, Broadhead will become Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson's ninth summer signing after receiving strong backing from the club's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. It will be the third time Wrexham have broken their transfer record this summer after initially forking out £2.1m for Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace.
The acquisition of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien then surpassed that figure after costing almost £5m. The arrival of Broadhead will eclipse that again in what will be viewed as a statement of intent in many quarters.
But some Wrexham fans aren't convinced and have questioned the hefty outlay by the owners at a time when the club still doesn't have a permanent training ground.
Writing on X, one supporter said: "I really don't want to be negative here but it's been over 4 years since the take over and we've still not bought any land for a training ground. These signings are unbelievable but long term success will be slowed down if we continue to not have our own base."
A second fan posted: "I'm going to be controversial here but that is ridiculous. Yes, he is Welsh and a former youth player but that can't justify that price. If we can't find a better striker for £10m then we need to look at our recruitment."
A third added: "Not my money etc etc but £10m for Broadhead? Mmm okay." Meanwhile, another said: "I'm not sure I can be comfortable with us making a £10m signing."
Broadhead joined Ipswich from Everton for £1.5m in January 2023. He played a key role in the Tractor Boys' back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship, before being restricted to just seven Premier League starts last season as the club was relegated back down to the second tier.
Broadhead has bagged 23 goals in 83 appearances for Ipswich, but recently entered the final year of his contract. He missed his club's Carabao Cup clash at Bromley on Tuesday after reporting in sick on the day of the game.
His move to Wrexham comes as they prepare to take on West Brom in their first league home game of the season on Saturday. Parkinson's side lost their opening game away at Southampton 2-1 following a late collapse after being ahead for most of the match.