Exclusive: Leicester and Wrexham eye non-league striker Jayden Carbon labelled ‘next Jamie Vardy’
Leicester City and Wrexham are tracking non-league striking sensation Jayden Carbon, sources have told Football Insider.
Carbon, 19, impressed at National League North side Oxford City last season in what was his breakthrough campaign for the club.
The pacey forward, who has been likened to Jamie Vardy, was the leading teenage goalscorer in the National League North last season with five goals.
Championship duo Leicester and Wrexham have been alerted to Carbon’s potential, and they are keeping tabs on the non-league star.
Wrexham and Leicester eye non-league ace Carbon
Both Wrexham and Leicester are plotting promotion pushes next season despite their varying routes to the Championship.
The Red Dragons have reached the second tier by winning three consecutive promotions from the National League, whereas the Foxes suffered relegation after struggling in the Premier League last term.
But both Championship outfits have set their sights on Carbon, demonstrating their respective aspirations to invest in the future.
The teenager notched six goals in 43 appearances across all competitions last term, scoring one goal in the FA Trophy to add to his five National League North efforts.
Meanwhile, Wrexham are enjoying the stable management of Phil Parkinson, whereas managerless Leicester are plotting a move for Danny Rohl, who is set to leave financially troubled Sheffield Wednesday.
Carbon set for loan if he secures Championship move
Football Insider Verdict
Carbon’s impressive efforts at sixth-tier level were recognised by the fact that he was named as Oxford City’s young player of the season in May.
| Jayden Carbon stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 6 |
The teenager’s talents have been heavily endorsed by the interest in his services from ambitious Championship duo Wrexham and Leicester.
However, should either the North Wales side or the East Midlands club acquire his services ahead of next season, they will likely offload him on loan, as opposed to giving him immediate opportunities in the second tier.
While the 19-year-old has impressively burst onto the scene at a young age, his return of five goals in 39 National League appearances last season doesn’t suggest he is yet ready to lead the line at Championship level.
However, with more experience in non-league under his belt, Carbon could be set to shine in the EFL, with the Red Dragons and the Foxes firmly in the queue to give him such an opportunity.