Wrexham are on the verge of breaking their transfer record for the second time in a week with the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien. The newly-promoted Championship side had initially agreed a £5 million deal earlier this month, but personal terms proved a stumbling block. However, significant progress on Wednesday has brought the move close to completion.
The 26-year-old impressed on loan at Swansea City in the second half of last season and was also a target for other Championship clubs. The fee is expected to surpass the £2.16 million Wrexham paid for Liberato Cacace from Empoli last week, which could rise to £4 million with add-ons.
O'Brien joined Forest from Huddersfield Town in 2022 but made only 17 appearances. He would become manager Phil Parkinson's sixth summer signing, following Ryan Hardie (reported £700,000 from Plymouth), Danny Ward (free from Leicester), Cacace, George Thomason (£1.2 million from Bolton), and Josh Windass (free after leaving Sheffield Wednesday).
Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have sanctioned significant spending, with the total outlay nearing £10 million. The club are also reported to be interested in Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore. In terms of departures, Paul Mullin joined Wigan Athletic on loan, Will Boyle moved to Shrewsbury Town, and Luke Bolton went to Mansfield Town.
Wrexham begin their first Championship campaign in 43 years away at Southampton on Saturday, August 9.
