Wakefield Trinity owner, Matt Ellis, bought the club following their relegation from the Super League. Since then, he has spoken openly about his grand ambitions for the club. Including, most notably, a major renovation of the club’s stadium.
With Wakefield currently top of the Championship, planning for a return to Super League is in full swing.
Now Matt Ellis has dropped a major hint on transfer plans, with some huge names on the radar, which will excite Trinity fans.
Expect Wakefield Trinity moves in May
The recruitment window for the 2025 season opens on May 1st, with clubs able to approach out of contacts players. According to Ellis, speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Wakefield will act will act straight away to secure their targets.
“Millsy (recruitment and salary cap manager Steve Mills) has got some targets we’re going to be trying to get over the line in the first week of May.
“We’ve been linked with some really good players. We’re excited about the bids we’re preparing and are confident we’re going to get the players we’re targeting,” Ellis stated.
“We’ve got seven or eight targets that we’re going to be making plays for so it’s not just those three lads.”
Grand ambitions for Super League return
Historically, Wakefield have struggled to make an impact on the top half of Super League. Their best ever Super League finish came in 2009, finishing 5th. Ellis is hoping that some huge names can help them recreate this success.
“If you’re looking at putting bids in for Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone, they’re marquee-style players. The other players we’re looking at who are out of contract at the end of the year are established Super League players.”
“There’s room in the cap for us to get the players,”
However, these ambitions come with a cost. Ellis is planning on assembling the most expensive squad Wakefield have ever fielded in Super League.
“It’s the biggest budget the club have ever had for a Super League campaign. We want to put the best squad together that I’ve known at Wakefield Trinity.
“I’ve said before that when we get back to Super League, we’re not aiming for second or third bottom the first year and then grow; internally, we’re looking at a top-six charge next year.”
Wakefield are reportedly interested in signing Huddersfield Giants player, Olly Russell. Ellis would be making a major statement by signing Johnstone, McMeeken and Russell. If he can, Wakefield have a strong chance of steering clear of the bottom of the Super League table, should they return.
