Exclusive: Wrexham AFC backed to seal “big coup” signing from Sheffield Wednesday

Josh Windass has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Championship following Sheffield Wednesday’s financial crisis and his impressive 13-goal haul last season.

According to the Sheffield Star, Wrexham are reportedly keeping tabs on the 31-year-old attacking midfielder’s situation at Wednesday, who’s also attracting interest from multiple other clubs – including Derby County, Noriwch City, and Coventry City

Windass has been with the Owls since 2020, becoming their leading scorer this century with 53 goals, but the club are in a torrid financial situation that has left players and staff unpaid for consecutive months.

Wednesday are currently under a three-window transfer embargo imposed by the EFL due to reasons including late wage payments – which creates a situation where Windass, among others, could potentially leave as free agents or on nominal fees.

Josh Windass would be a “big coup” for Wrexham AFC

Speaking exclusively to FLW about Wrexham’s potential interest in Windass, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, expressed his understanding of the Red Dragons’ pursuit in the attacking midfielder.

“I could understand the interest from Wrexham in Josh Windass, it would be a big coup, Goodman said.

“We know that Phil Parkinson likes experienced players, but in reality how many of those experienced players are going to be playing week in, week out in the Championship next season – not too many at this stage I wouldn’t have thought.”

Parkinson’s preference for season professionals has been evident throughout Wrexham’s rise, with the club maintaining one of the highest average squad ages in their previous divisions.

The former striker put emphasis on the challenge facing Phil Parkinson’s squad, noting, “It would leave Wrexham with only a sort of a smattering starting eleven that has extensive championship experience.

“So somebody like Josh Windass, who did really well last season in terms of scoring goals and assists – 13 goals, five assists I think it was – I can definitely understand the attraction from Wrexham’s point of view.”

Wrexham’s second-tier challenge for 25/26

Wrexham’s remarkable journey from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership has been nothing short of extraordinary.

However, the clear step up to the second tier is their biggest challenge yet, with Phil Parkinson needing to assemble a squad capable of competing against well-established Championship sides and those relegated from the Premier League.

The Welsh outfit have already shown their ambition in the transfer market, with reports suggesting they have a £30m budget to spend on reinforcements – making Windass pocket change.

German clubs are also said to be monitoring Windass’ sitiuation, along with his former club Rangers – but the appeal of playing for Wrexham with theur Hollywood backing could prove decisive in any potential transfer negotiations.

Don Goodman’s assessment of Windass as a prospective “big coup” for Wrexham does appear well-founded given the player’s proven second-tier pedigree, and at 31, Windass is exactly the type of proven performer that Parkinson has targeted throughout, like James McClean.

For the Red Dragons, securing a player of Windass’ caliber would arguably be a statement of intent because they’d be beating off fierce competition – and could very well help them challenge for a fourth-consecutive promotion.

Sheffield Wednesday attacker departs for pastures new in latest blow for crisis-stricken Owls

Dejphon Chansiri is said to be working on selling the club, while Danny Rohl appears set to resume his duties as manager.

However, Wednesday remain in a state of limbo and have now lost one of their key attacking outlets.

For days it was widely expected that Musaba would be departing South Yorkshire for a fresh start in Turkey.

Anthony Musaba move confirmed

While there has been no official announcement from Wednesday, Samsunspor have confirmed the capture of the former Netherlands youth international.

A post shared by the club’s official X account read: “On our European journey, Anthony Musaba is with us. Welcome to the Samsunspor family.”

He has joined the club at an exciting time, with Europa League football having been secured by a surprise third-placed finish in the Turkish top flight.

Anthony Musaba’s time at Sheffield Wednesday

Musaba arrived at Hillsborough in the summer of 2023 during the ill-fated and ultimately brief reign of Xisco Munoz.

He made the move from AS Monaco for an undisclosed fee and his pedigree generated excitement among the Hillsborough faithful.

After landing Musaba, Munoz told Wednesday’s website: “Anthony has big capacity with a lot of ability one against one and he is a player who learns and will give everything.