Wrexham is gearing up to compete with several Championship clubs for Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard this summer, sources reveal.
Leonard’s journey began in 2018 when he joined Brighton from Hearts, quickly establishing himself in Albion’s under-18s before advancing to the Under-23s squad for the 2020/21 season. His progression saw him make a memorable first-team debut in August 2021, contributing to a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
October 2021 marked Leonard’s debut for Scotland’s under-21 team, and by December, he was named in a Premier League matchday squad. Demonstrating his commitment, Leonard extended his contract with Brighton, securing his place until the end of the 2022/23 season.
At 22, Leonard has significantly raised his profile through two impressive season-long loan stints with Northampton Town. His efforts were instrumental in the Cobblers’ promotion from League Two in 2022-23. This season, he played a pivotal role in helping Northampton exceed expectations, securing a commendable 14th place finish in League One.
Leonard’s standout performances have not gone unnoticed. Recognized as one of the best players in League One, he was named Northampton’s Player of the Season. His manager, Jon Brady, has expressed unwavering belief in Leonard’s potential to reach the highest echelons of football, suggesting that top Scottish clubs Rangers and Celtic should consider him.
Brady remarked, “Leonard is an exceptional young Scottish talent. I believe he can excel at the highest levels, and if Rangers or Celtic were to show interest, he has the ability to thrive with either side.”
Acknowledging Leonard’s growth, Brady admitted that the midfielder has surpassed the standards of Northampton and League One: “He has outgrown us and there is significant interest from Championship clubs. With his abilities, he deserves to be testing himself in the Championship. He would be an incredible asset to any team in that league.”
Brady praised Leonard’s development, highlighting his transition from a skilled young player to a commanding presence on the field: “His improvement has been remarkable. He arrived as a technically adept player and has progressed immensely. He faced every challenge head-on, ultimately becoming a game-changer and a mature player.”
Leonard’s statistics are a testament to his influence on the field. With five goals, nine assists, and top ratings for key and progressive passes, his impact is clear. Remarkably, Leonard played every single league game this season, missing only about 20 minutes, a testament to his consistency and reliability.
Numerous Championship clubs, including recently relegated Sheffield United, have shown interest in Leonard. His stellar season at Northampton Town, where he earned both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, has attracted attention from Hull City, Preston, and Plymouth.
However, ambitious Wrexham is keen to join the competition for Leonard’s signature. After their promotion, Wrexham aims to strengthen their squad for life in League One, identifying Leonard as a crucial addition to their plans. Last season, Leonard contributed five goals and six assists in League One, catching Wrexham’s attention as they seek to build on their recent success.
Wrexham’s determination to sign Leonard underscores their commitment to bolstering their squad and achieving their goals in the upcoming season.
