Forgotten ex-Premier League star, 30, opens door to Wrexham transfer

08 May 2024 , 17:00
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His former teammate was promoted with Wrexham
His former teammate was promoted with Wrexham

FORGOTTEN Premier League striker Saido Berahino has admitted he would be open to joining new League One outfit Wrexham this summer.

This comes as the Wales-based club earned back-to-back promotions after winning the National League title last season.

Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds could add striker to their growing wage bill qhiddqidzzirkprw
Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds could add striker to their growing wage billCredit: AFP
Former Prem striker Saido Berahino is open to joining Wrexham
Former Prem striker Saido Berahino is open to joining WrexhamCredit: Getty

Berahino currently plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol, but his contract expires this summer.

The 30-year-old scored 24 goals in 47 games across various England age groups from U16 to U21 level.

He burst onto the scene at West Brom and captured attention with 11 goals in his debut season, and even grabbed an historic winner in the Baggies' 2-1 victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford in 2013.

Schools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaosSchools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaos

And now he has refused to rule out a return to England.

When asked during a Q&A on X whether he would consider joining Wrexham when his contract in Cyprus expires, Berahino replied: "Why not."

His response left fans both excited and bemused.

One wrote: "Imagine Berahino up top for Wrexham next year, could be a quality signing."

A Wrexham fan account added: "Berahino to Wrexham? No way!"

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Big things were expected of Berahino when he came through the ranks at West Brom.

He quickly earned a call-up to England U21s and it seemed the senior side would be next, with Tottenham also registering an interest in the striker.

However his career quickly unravelled after he lost his form at the Baggies after handing in a transfer request.

Towards the end of his £12m spell in Stoke, Berahino switched allegiances to Burundi, the country of his birth, for which he now captains.

Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on benchGuardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench

Before Cyprus, he did join Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee, having previously worked with then manager Darren Moore at West Brom.

He scored nine goals for Wednesday before being released following their elimination from the 2021 play-offs.

But Berahino, now 30, scored 23 goals and provided three assists in 133 Premier League appearances.

Meanwhile, former Premier striker Steven Fletcher has enjoyed a wonderful campaign since joining Wrexham last summer.

In 2023-24, Wrexham's weekly wage bill was higher than all but five teams playing in the division above.

Berahino's former West Brom and Stoke teammate James McClean has been offered a new contract with the Hollywood owned club.

Katherine Walsh

Wrexham AFC, West Brom, England, Wales, Ryan Reynolds

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