'Big decisions' for Wrexham as Falchener targeted

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham have some "big decisions" to make regarding their squad as they target a move for Norway centre-back Henrik Falchener.

The Red Dragons have been linked with a swoop for the two-cap international from Viking Stavenger as they bid to bolster their defensive ranks prior to the summer transfer deadline.

But Parkinson refused to be drawn on links to the defender and stated they still have work to do over the remainder of the summer transfer window.

"We're still not where we want to be with the squad," he said.

"We've got to make sure the squad is capable of dealing with the rigours of a Championship season.

"So we've got some big decisions to make, as always, and hopefully by the end of this transfer window, we'll have the squad numbers-wise where we want it, but also strength and quality."

When asked about Falchener, Parkinson responded: "We're linked with so many players and I'd never want to comment on any individuals."

The 23-year-old was included in the 26-man Norway squad for the World Cup and started in his side's 4-1 group stage loss to 2018 winners France.

Falchener has featured 11 times for the defending Norwegian champions so far this season and scored in his side's wins over Rosenborg and Kristiansund in May.

Having already brought in full-back Danny Imray and central midfielder Ben Whiteman this summer, Wrexham made goalkeeper Anthony Patterson their third signing of the window this week.

Parkinson handed Patterson - who won two promotions at Sunderland - his professional debut with the Black Cats in November 2020.

The goalkeeper has signed a four-year deal with the Red Dragons, and the Wrexham boss says he has kept a close eye on the shot stopper since working with him at the Stadium of Light.

"I think his record is there, it speaks for itself really," said Parkinson.

"He's a young keeper, he's played for his hometown club and handled that pressure really well.

"That's not easy because there's a lot of expectations at Sunderland and he's been part of promotions and play-off campaigns up there.

"He went to Millwall and did well, but when he was a youngster when me and Steve [assistant manager Parkin] were at Sunderland, we always thought he was going to be a really good keeper.

"We've watched his progress and we're pleased to see him do so well and we're even more delighted that we've been able to bring him to the club."

Patterson's arrival has thrown up uncertainty over the futures of those who were already in Wrexham's goalkeeping department.

Danny Ward, Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton are all now in the final year of their respective contracts with the north Wales side.

And Parkinson says the club will continue to assess the situation regarding their goalkeepers.

"We wanted to strengthen the goalkeeping department which we've now done and we'll assess things as we go along before the close of the window," he added.

Ahead of their Championship opener at Cardiff City on Monday (20:00 BST), Wrexham confirmed striker Ryan Hardie and defender Lewis Brunt have sealed moves to Parkinson's former club Bolton Wanderers.

Hardie - who spent the latter half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Huddersfield Town - has joined the Trotters on a season-long loan deal while Brunt completed a permanent switch to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

"With Ryan, he went on loan last year at Huddersfield and he got quite a bad injury and he was just coming back from an injury. He had a bit of bad luck," said Parkinson.

"We felt, me and Ryan together, that he needed to have a sustained period of football this year. It's a good signing for Bolton, Ryan's a good player."

On Brunt, he commented: "A bit of a similar story in many respects. Brunty's been brilliant, a promotion-winning player, he was in the team but pulled his thigh at Middlesbrough away.

"He was concerned going into the last of his contract that if he didn't play this year that his career would be really halted.

"I think it's a good opportunity and as much as we want to keep the squad strong and we're still looking to improve at our end, you've also got to be fair to players as well."