Wrexham release players on free transfer - including ex-England striker

Wrexham AFC v Stockport County FC - Sky Bet League One

Wrexham have officially confirmed their summer retained list ahead of their upcoming campaign in the second tier of English football. The marquee news from the Racecourse Ground sees veteran forward Jay Rodriguez and long-serving midfielder Andy Cannon headline the senior departures as their contracts expire.

Red Dragons reshape squad

Wrexham are restructuring their squad following an extraordinary rise under manager Phil Parkinson. One-cap England international Rodriguez leads the summer clear-out just 15 months after arriving from Burnley. Cannon is also leaving after a serious knee injury disrupted his season, alongside academy products Reuben Egan, Callum Edwards, Tom Kelly, and Max Purvis. Conversely, the Welsh club have extended contracts for promising youngsters Aaron James, Alex Moore and Rio Owen.

Wrexham AFC v Stockport County FC - Sky Bet League One

Club expresses gratitude

Wrexham confirmed the departures in an official club statement, taking the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the senior figures who impacted their recent success. The Red Dragons said: "They are released with the club's sincere thanks for their efforts and contributions during their time at the football club."

Rodriguez leaves having scored twice during the 2024–25 promotion campaign, while Cannon departs with 86 appearances under his belt since joining from Hull City in 2022.

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Rodriguez's international pedigree remembered

The departure of Rodriguez marks the end of a brief spell for a player who once reached the absolute pinnacle of English football. His sole appearance for the Three Lions came back in November 2013, when manager Roy Hodgson handed him a starting berth in a 2-0 friendly defeat against Chile at Wembley Stadium. The veteran forward lined up alongside England legend Rooney that evening before eventually being substituted in the 57th minute of the match.

Wrexham AFC v Portsmouth - Sky Bet Championship

Summer rebuild awaits Parkinson

Both Rodriguez and Cannon will now enter the free agency market looking for a club willing to offer regular first-team football. Meanwhile, Wrexham must immediately pivot towards an intense summer recruitment drive to adequately replace these experienced figures. Parkinson’s side will look to further invest in their squad after finishing seventh in the table in 2025-26, with some big names likely to be interested in a move to the Racecourse Ground.