Exclusive: Wrexham agree to sign Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest
Lewis O’Brien has undergone a medical and agreed a three-year deal that will see him join Wrexham from Nottingham Forest, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at LAFC in the MLS, before joining Swansea City in the second half of the campaign.
O’Brien made a combined 34 appearances for both clubs, scoring once for each team, assisting one goal for the US-based side.
The English midfielder has been with Forest since moving from Huddersfield Town in 2022, but has made just 17 appearances for the Tricky Trees.
And after four loan spells away from the City Ground, O’Brien has agreed a permanent move away from the club.
Phil Parkinson adds Championship experience to squad
Phil Parkinson’s side are heading into the English second-tier for the first time since the 1980s, and are wasting no time in adding quality to their side.
Josh Windass has joined from Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Liberato Cacace has been recruited from Empoli for a club-record fee.
However, despite having some good options, recruiting players with Championship experience was a pressing issue that needed adressing this summer.
O’Brien came close to joining Leeds United last year, O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively in November 2024.
But having failed to agree a move to Elland Road, Wrexham have instead agreed a deal with the 26-year-old, who has made 162 Championship appearances.
O’Brien’s versatility will also be a boost alongside his experience, as the former Terrier is comfortable playing as a six, eight, or ten behind a striker.
Wrexham targeting midfield talent
O’Brien may not be the only midfielder joining the Red Dragons this summer, as Wrexham are also targeting Ajax defensive midfielder Sivert Mannsverk, O’Rourke told Football Insider.
The Eredivisie side are open to letting the 23-year-old leave, and the Welsh side are prepared to pay £4million to secure his services.
Mannsverk spent the latter half of last season on loan at Cardiff, giving him the necessary experience in England’s second-tier to make an immediate impact for Parkinson’s side.