Wrexham AFC have entered the race to sign veteran Premier League defender Craig Dawson on a free transfer, joining Derby County in pursuit of the experienced centre-back. This move aligns with Wrexham’s ambitious strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of their debut Championship season in 2025/26.
Dawson, 35, is a seasoned defender with over a decade of Premier League experience, having played for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Watford, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He joined Wolves in January 2023 for a £3.3 million fee and made an immediate impact, including a memorable debut goal against Liverpool. However, following the arrivals of new centre-backs Emmanuel Agbadou and Nasser Djiga, Dawson found himself surplus to requirements. Wolves manager Vitor Pereira confirmed that Dawson no longer fit into his tactical plans, leading to discussions about terminating his contract.
With his contract now terminated, Dawson is free to sign with any club. Wrexham, under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have demonstrated a commitment to investing in experienced players to bolster their squad. Their recent promotion to the Championship has further fueled their ambitions. In addition to Dawson, Wrexham are reportedly interested in other Premier League veterans, including goalkeeper Danny Ward, defender Aaron Cresswell, striker Danny Ings, and midfielder Tom Cairney.
Derby County, also vying for Dawson’s signature, are looking to strengthen their defensive options. The competition between these two clubs underscores the value placed on Dawson’s experience and leadership qualities. His potential move to either club could provide a significant boost to their defensive units as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
Dawson’s extensive experience in top-flight football, combined with his leadership and defensive prowess, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs aiming to solidify their backlines. As the transfer window progresses, it will be interesting to see which club secures his services and how he contributes to their defensive strategies in the forthcoming season.
