Wrexham AFC must only sign Man City's John Stones on one condition | OneFootball

The Red Dragons are looking to make a statement signing in the form of John Stones, but there is one significant fear.

Wrexham are plotting an incredibly ambitious move for Manchester City centre-back John Stones, as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney look to add more star power to their team as the club look for a fourth-successive promotion.

That's according to a report from TeamTalk, with the defender one of several players on the Red Dragons' short list if they achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs this season, just three years after they won the National League title.

However, Phil Parkinson's side dropped out of the top six on Wednesday evening after Southampton's 1-0 victory over Norwich City, and they will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday as they make the trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United.

Wrexham were poor defensively against Watford in mid-week, losing 3-1 at Vicarage Road. Now, they are looking at ways to improve their defence, but they must only seek a deal for Stones on one simple condition if they do find themselves in the Premier League for 2026/27.

Wrexham must not sign John Stones if one condition is not met

There is no denying that the Red Dragons have made statement signing after statement signing since they were taken over by Reynolds and McElhenney, and the Hollywood pair have made it clear that their goal is to get the club as high as possible, with the sky the limit.

Therefore, bringing Stones to the Racecourse Ground as a potentially newly-promoted club would not come as a surprise to many, and it would once again prove their worth as they look to move up to the next division once again. However, they will face competition from the likes of Everton, as well as other clubs from abroad.

It is vital that Wrexham do not get involved in a financial battle against other sides who are interested in bringing the 31-year-old in. The Red Dragons have spent relatively freely in recent years already, and breaking their wage structure on a player who has had several injury problems in the last few years may just be the wrong decision at this time.

This season, the Welsh outfit brought in Conor Coady and that move has not worked. There is no guarantee that Stones would suit the style of play that Parkinson plays, and spending a substantial fee and wage package for him may not be the correct decision. Therefore, a move should only be made if it is relatively cheap.

Sunderland have proven how vital experience is after Premier League promotion

While Stones is a player who seems highly aspirational, Sunderland have proven this season just how vital it is to sign a leader who has plenty of Premier League experience, with that experience coming at the top of the division with Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka has been key to the Black Cats' success this season, and while their early-season form has trailed off in the last couple of months, they look as though they have more than enough to avoid relegation and they will be looking to build in 2026/27.

Wrexham need a signing just like the Swiss midfielder, and Stones could prove to be exactly that. He has played 255 times in the Premier League in his career, winning the league title on six separate occasions. He has also lifted the Champions League, the Carabao Cup four times, and the FA Cup twice.

The Red Dragons would love to have a player like this in the heart of their defence next season. However, their main focus right now is achieving a play-off finish, and having a chance of promotion to the Premier League.