Wrexham sign Premier League defender as summer transfer spree shows no sign of slowing down
Showing their unbridled ambition once more, Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have pulled off another major coup in the transfer market with their latest signing
Brunt represents another major statement from Reynolds and McElhenney, with the highly-rated versatile defender having appeared twice in the Premier League for the Foxes. He spent last season on loan at Mansfield Town in League Two, impressing across his his 34 appearances during his temporary stay.
Able to play across the backline, as well as being adept in defensive midfield, the addition of the prospect will bolster Phil Parkinson’s squad ahead of their first League One campaign in 20 years. Mostly utilized as a centre-back in his career so far, his flexibility could prove a major asset to the Wrexham head coach in the upcoming season.
Expressing his delight after the deal was confirmed, Brunt said: “I’m over the moon to get the deal signed and over the line and I can’t wait to get going. Everyone knows the story behind Wrexham, it’s a club with a great history and big ambitions for where it wants to go, so to join that journey is a good feeling.”
Meanwhile, new boss Parkinson spoke glowingly about the defender’s talents, adding: “Lewis will be a very good signing for us and he’s a very good young player. He did exceptionally well in his first full season at Mansfield and he will be a player that has a lot of development in him. I believe that he will be a great acquisition for us.”
Mansfield had been hoping to make Brunt a permanent part of their squad following his performances with the Stags during the last campaign. The Nottinghamshire outfit also earned promotion to the third tier last season after finishing in third place – one spot behind Wrexham.
Prior to a deal being struck for the Leicester player to join the Dragons, Mansfield manager Nigel Clough had said: “Negotiations are ongoing. We put a bid in that was rejected. We might be too far apart in terms of their valuation and what we can pay, unfortunately, but we are certainly not ruling it out and he remains our number one target.”