Wrexham have been given the go-ahead to finalise a £10 million deal for Ipswich Town forward Nathan Broadhead, shattering their transfer record for the third time this summer. The 27-year-old Wales international, who began his career in Wrexham's academy, has been a target for several weeks and is now en route for a medical, according to Sky Sports.
The move had previously stalled at a £7.5 million fee due to Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna's concerns over injuries and interest in his attacking players. However, Ipswich's loan signing of Chuba Akpom from Ajax on Sunday freed Broadhead to leave. Wrexham increased their offer to a club-record £10 million to secure the deal.
Broadhead will be manager Phil Parkinson's ninth signing of the summer, following the earlier record-breaking acquisitions of Liberato Cacace (£2.1 million) and Lewis O'Brien. The spending has been backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but some supporters have expressed unease over the outlay while the club still lacks a permanent training facility.
One fan posted on X: 'It's been over four years since the takeover and we've still not bought any land for a training ground. These signings are unbelievable but long term success will be slowed down.' Another questioned the price, saying: 'If we can't find a better striker for £10m then we need to look at our recruitment.'
Broadhead joined Ipswich from Everton for £1.5 million in January 2023 and played a key role in their back-to-back promotions, though he made only seven Premier League starts last season as the club were relegated. He has scored 23 goals in 83 appearances for Ipswich and is entering the final year of his contract.
Wrexham, promoted to the Championship in April, are preparing for their first home league match against West Brom on Saturday after losing 2-1 to Southampton on the opening day. Broadhead's arrival is seen as a statement of intent, though the fan debate over long-term investment continues.
