Danny Imray becomes Wrexham's first summer signing

Wrexham have officially completed their first piece of business in the summer transfer window, signing 23-year-old defender Danny Imray on a four-year contract. The Welsh club, still riding the momentum of their rapid rise through English football, are now preparing for life in the Championship. Imray, who can also operate as a right winger, is expected to fill the void left by Issa Kabore after the Manchester City loanee returned to his parent club. Despite never making a first-team appearance for Crystal Palace since joining Selhurst Park in 2021, the versatile defender gained valuable experience out on loan. He started the 2025/26 season with Blackpool in League One before moving to West Bromwich Albion in the Championship during the January window. Imray made 17 appearances for the Baggies, including a 2-2 draw against Wrexham back in April. Manager Phil Parkinson spoke highly of his new recruit. "We're delighted to bring Danny in. He's got an interesting story - from non-league to the Premier League pathway - and he's a young player with real potential," Parkinson said. The boss confirmed Imray has already linked up with the squad in the United States, ahead of a friendly against Liverpool in New York (kick-off Thursday 02:30 Kyiv time). Imray himself admitted the decision wasn't just about football. "This club is definitely on the rise. I've watched the documentary - it's not only about wanting to perform on the pitch but also what happens off it. The community means so much to this club, and without fans, clubs are nothing. Wrexham wants to get to the Premier League, and that's an incredibly exciting project," he said. Last summer, after promotion to League One, Parkinson brought in 13 first-team players. This time, despite climbing to the Championship, a massive overhaul isn't planned. Still, the coaching staff are actively looking to strengthen in goal, centre-back, central midfield and up front. Reflecting on the slow transfer market after a recent 3-2 win over Leeds United in Florida, Parkinson explained: "We know where the gaps are and we're working on it. People wonder why it's taking time. One reason is that some of the players we're looking at belong to Premier League clubs. Their senior players are away at the Club World Cup, so they're keeping their youngsters in the squad early in pre-season."