Wrexham have completed the signing of midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee, securing the 26-year-old on a contract running until the end of the 2027-28 season.
O’Brien, who impressed during a loan spell at Swansea City last season, had been attracting interest from several Championship clubs. While Swansea hoped to re-sign him permanently, the financial details of a potential deal made that unlikely. Wrexham ultimately won the race for the former Huddersfield Town player.
“It’s been a long time coming, but to be here is great,” O’Brien told Wrexham’s official website. “The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for me and my family, but to sign a long-term contract and find somewhere I can call home is a great feeling.
“After speaking to everyone here, it’s clear this is a club with a lot of ambition. I want to be part of that journey and help take Wrexham to where they want to be.”
O’Brien had one year left on his contract at Forest but found playing time limited since joining the Premier League club in 2022, making just 17 appearances. His time at Forest included loan spells with Los Angeles FC, Middlesbrough, and DC United.
At Swansea, he featured 16 times in the second half of the 2023–24 season, playing a pivotal role in helping the Swans climb out of relegation danger to finish 11th in the Championship.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised the acquisition, saying:
“I’m delighted to welcome Lewis to the club. He’s a player with a lot of experience at this level and will be a great addition to the group. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
O’Brien’s arrival marks another ambitious move by Wrexham, who are preparing for their first season in the Championship following three consecutive promotions. Owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has been making waves in the transfer market this summer.
O’Brien becomes Wrexham’s latest addition in a busy transfer window that has already seen the arrivals of Danny Ward (Leicester City), Ryan Hardie (Plymouth Argyle), Liberato Cacace (Empoli, club-record fee), George Thomason (Bolton Wanderers), and Josh Windass (free agent from Sheffield Wednesday).
