Wrexham transfer talks at 2am! Work continues Down Under as CEO Michael Williamson explains complexities of doing business on other side of the world

Williamson has admitted the tour is far from a relaxing retreat. Instead, he has been spending his nights buried in calls, emails and negotiations as the club pushes ahead with vital squad-building efforts. Tucked away far in the Southern hemisphere, he’s handling communications across multiple time zones, from the UK to the United States, an unenviable challenge to say the least.

Speaking to The Athletic, Williamson offered insight into the high demands of building a Championship-worthy side while halfway around the world.

"I’m aware the impression I’m probably giving is that life on tour is a glamorous affair. But it’s also a very busy one, especially when 12,000 miles from home as we are at the moment," he said.

"I’ve had many a night working until 2am since we got here. It might be phone calls to agents about players, or maybe the staff back in Wrexham. There are a million different things that need dealing with, especially emails. I’ll find myself getting to sleep at 2.30am and then, thanks to the time difference with the UK and also the U.S., waking up at 7am to see my inbox full once again. But that’s the job. The football world doesn’t stop just because we’re on the other side of the world."

Despite the physical toll, Williamson emphasised that the tour provides a unique opportunity to catch up with the think tank at any given time, which expedites the entire decision-making process.

"What I do like about being on tour is we’re all in the same place," he said. "If we need, say, a quick 10-minute chat about a potential transfer, then Phil Parkinson is right here so we can sit down and go through things. There have been a few of those meetings with Phil and his staff in the early hours since we flew out."

One of the key moves being negotiated is the acquisition of Liberato Cacace, a New Zealand international who currently plays for Empoli. The transfer is expected to eclipse the £2 million fee the club paid for striker Sam Smith earlier this year, making it the most expensive in Wrexham’s history.

So far this summer, Wrexham have secured two new faces: striker Ryan Hardie and goalkeeper Danny Ward. Both are expected to play key roles in the club’s first Championship campaign in nearly two decades. However, more quality reinforcements are required if the team is to realistically compete and realise their Premier League dream in 2026.