Wrexham are eyeing a move for Leicester City’s outgoing goalkeeper, Danny Ward, as they plan a Championship-ready squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Wales international is set to leave Leicester City following the expiry of his contract in June, and a return to his hometown club could be on the cards.
According to Alan Nixon, Wrexham hope to convince Ward to rejoin the club where his career began. The 31-year-old came through the ranks at Wrexham but never made a senior appearance before being snapped up by Liverpool in 2012.
While at the Merseyside team, he was sent out on loan to Morecambe, Aberdeen, and Huddersfield. However, it was at the latter that he gained the most experience, playing 46 times and winning the 2017 Championship Playoff Final. In the final, Ward saved three penalties in the shootout that saw Huddersfield promoted to the Premier League.
Since joining Leicester in 2018, Ward has largely operated as a backup goalkeeper, collecting FA Cup and Community Shield winners’ medals. However, when called upon as first choice following Kasper Schmeichel’s departure, Ward struggled to find form and was eventually replaced by Daniel Iversen and now Mads Hermansen and Jakub Stolarczyk
Given his bit role at Leicester, Ward will be keen for a fresh start elsewhere, especially if he wants to keep his place as Wales’s number one.
With 44 senior caps for Wales, he’ll be eager to remain in Craig Bellamy’s plans, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. A move back home to high-flying Wrexham might be just what he needs to cement his role between the sticks ahead of next summer’s competition, should Wales qualify.
A summer of signings for Wrexham?
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s plucky Welsh side have taken no prisoners in their meteoric rise from the National League up to the Championship, however, England’s second tier is no joke and will demand back-up.
The League One runners–up have already been linked with a host of players, including current and ex-Premier League stars.
Former Manchester United defender Johnny Evans was rumoured to be on their wish list, but his announcement of retirement following the conclusion of the season has poured cold water on that idea.
However, the Red Dragons may have more luck with Wales defender Ben Davies. The Welshman has just won the Europa League with Tottenham but is still awaiting contract talks with his current deal set to expire at the end of June.
Former England internationals Patrick Bamford and Jamie Vardy have also been names that have been floating around the rumour mill and would provide experienced Championship goalscoring prowess.
West Ham legend Aaron Cresswell is also on Wrexham’s radar, having just been released from the Hammers after 11 years with the club. Cresswell is originally from Liverpool, so, just like Ward, may jump at the chance to play closer to home.
Despite all the rumours surrounding Wrexham and their transfers, the club’s Director, Humphrey Ker, has been keen to shoot down some of the speculation. Speaking on the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X in May, Ker said, “Much like Ryan Reynolds, the name Wrexham generates clicks. We’re now starting to get linked with absolutely everybody.”
Still, with Ward available on a free and eager for minutes, a homecoming deal seems one of the more plausible and exciting moves of Wrexham’s summer window.