Wrexham are on the verge of signing Ipswich Town’s Nathan Broadhead in a record-breaking deal worth £7.5 million, signalling their intent to compete at the top end of the EFL Championship. Here’s everything you need to know about the 27-year-old Welsh international and what he brings to Wrexham’s exciting project.
A Homecoming for a Wrexham Academy Product
Nathan Paul Broadhead, born on April 5, 1998, in Bangor, Wales, is no stranger to Wrexham. The versatile forward began his football journey in the club’s youth academy before being snapped up by Everton at the tender age of 10. Broadhead has admitted he was reluctant to leave Wrexham, where he felt settled, but his parents encouraged him to seize the opportunity with the Premier League club. “I was only 10 at the time, and I didn’t really want to go because I was settled at Wrexham, but my mum and dad forced me to do it,” he told TWTD. That decision proved pivotal, setting him on a path to professional football, and now, nearly two decades later, he’s returning to his roots in a move that’s both emotional and ambitious.
Would be devastated to see him leave.
— Joey (@JoeySadler_) July 29, 2025
Still feel Nathan Broadhead has a huge part to play for #ITFC this season. pic.twitter.com/6y7MyMAG0b
A Journey Through the Leagues
Broadhead’s career has been a steady climb through English football’s ranks. After progressing through Everton’s academy, he made his senior debut for the Toffees in a 3-0 Europa League win over Apollon Limassol in 2017, providing an assist. Loan spells at Burton Albion (2019-20), Sunderland (2021-22), and Wigan Athletic (2022-23) gave him valuable EFL experience, where he showcased his ability to score and create in League One and the Championship.
In January 2023, Broadhead joined Ipswich Town for £1.5 million, a move that marked a turning point. He played a key role in their back-to-back promotions, scoring eight goals in 19 League One games in 2022-23 and 13 goals with five assists in 38 Championship appearances in 2023-24, helping the Tractor Boys return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. However, limited game time in the Premier League last season—scoring just two goals in 18 appearances, with only seven starts—prompted speculation about his future, especially as his contract entered its final year.
The Wrexham Move: A Record-Breaking Deal
Wrexham’s £7.5 million move for Broadhead smashes their previous transfer record, underscoring the club’s financial backing and ambition following their promotion to the Championship. The deal, which includes significant wages, moved quickly after Broadhead was left out of Ipswich’s friendly against Charlton Athletic on July 29, 2025. Reports suggest Wrexham initially approached with a £7 million bid, but a slight increase sealed the agreement. This signing marks Wrexham’s seventh acquisition of the summer, with the club redirecting funds initially earmarked for a centre-forward to bolster their wide options.
Broadhead’s versatility as a left winger or forward, combined with his proven track record in the Championship, makes him a perfect fit for Phil Parkinson’s side. His 13 goals and three assists in his last full Championship season demonstrate his ability to perform at this level, and his experience in securing promotion with Ipswich adds valuable know-how to Wrexham’s squad.
If Nathan Broadhead had been picked up by, say, Sunderland or Burnley for £7m, people would probably say it is a bargain.
— Fearless In Devotion | WREXHAM AFC podcast (@fearlessidzine) July 29, 2025
But because it's #WxmAFC it's deemed paying way over the odds.
Lads, we use to shop in bargain buckets and still couldn't afford anyone.
Lap. It. Up.… pic.twitter.com/Vhk6yXTeGs
What Broadhead Brings to Wrexham
Broadhead is a technically gifted attacker who thrives on the left wing but can also play as a central striker. His former Wigan manager, Kolo Touré, praised him as “a very good player, a great professional” who consistently makes a positive impact off the bench. Broadhead’s work rate, bravery, and ability to run all day make him a dynamic presence, while his 23 goals in 83 appearances for Ipswich highlight his clinical edge. His international pedigree—14 caps for Wales, including a dramatic equalizer against Croatia in a Euro 2024 qualifier—further underscores his quality.
Broadhead’s connection to Wrexham adds an emotional layer to the transfer. A Bangor native, he’s a local lad returning to a club that’s been transformed under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership.
While Broadhead’s quality is undeniable, there are considerations for Wrexham. His fitness record has been a minor concern, with injuries limiting his appearances in recent seasons, though he’s not considered injury-prone. Integrating him into Parkinson’s system alongside other new signings will be key, especially as Wrexham aim to compete with established Championship sides.
