Craig Dawson, the seasoned 35-year-old centre-back, is set to depart Wolverhampton Wanderers following a contract dispute with manager Vitor Pereira. With his contract expiring this summer, Dawson is now a free agent, attracting interest from several clubs, including Derby County and Wrexham AFC.
Dawson joined Wolves from West Ham United in January 2023 for £3.3 million, returning to the Midlands after a successful spell at West Bromwich Albion. He made 61 appearances for Wolves, scoring twice. However, under Pereira’s management, Dawson was omitted from the Premier League squad and has been informed that he does not feature in the club’s plans, leading to discussions about terminating his contract .
Derby County, preparing for another Championship campaign, have expressed interest in signing Dawson. Former Rams midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Dawson would be a valuable addition, citing his professionalism and experience as assets that could benefit Derby’s younger players .
Meanwhile, Wrexham AFC, under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have also shown interest in Dawson. The club is looking to strengthen its squad ahead of its debut Championship season in 2025/26. Dawson’s experience in the Premier League could provide the leadership and stability needed for Wrexham’s ambitious plans .
As Dawson weighs his options, the decision between Derby County and Wrexham AFC will likely depend on factors such as the club’s vision, financial terms, and the role he would play within the team. Both clubs offer opportunities for Dawson to continue his playing career, with Derby providing a chance to contribute to a Championship side and Wrexham presenting an opportunity to be part of a club with high aspirations.
