Jay Rodriguez was hot property during his time at Southampton (Image: Getty)
The signature of Jay Rodriguez was once courted by the likes of , and .
The seasoned striker was hot property during his days at , with the three giants all back in 2015. Rodriguez, who started his career with hometown club , caught their attention after scoring 15 Premier League goals for the Saints during the 2013/14 season.
Despite missing the whole of the following campaign with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, the trio were said to be keen on acquiring his services regardless. However, the one-time international ultimately remained loyal and stayed at St Mary’s, renewing his contract for another four years.
Reflecting on the decision at the time, he said: “The season we’ve had has been really good, and I think, obviously, the loyalty that they’ve put into me to offer me a new contract means a lot to me, and it was just something I wanted to do. We’ve just got to carry on working hard and hopefully improve on last year.”
Rodriguez eventually went on to sign for in 2017, joining for a fee of £12million after scoring 32 goals in 126 appearances in his five years at Southampton. He managed to net 33 times in 90 showings over the next two seasons with the Baggies before returning to Burnley for a second spell in July 2019.
The forward won promotion to the Premier League with the Clarets in 2023, which he said ranked amongst the highlights of a professional career. Now aged 35, Rodriguez currently plays for in League One after signing for the club, owned by actors and Rob McElhenney, during the 2025 January transfer window.
Jay Rodriguez starred for hometown team Burnley over two spells (Image: Getty)
The ambitious Welsh side secured his services after he was reportedly offered a financial package worth £15,000 per week, according to the Daily Telegraph.
On signing for the club, the striker said: “I’m made up to join the club. I can’t wait to get out on the training pitch and meet everyone. I hope I can use my experience to help every single player in the squad and gain something from the group as well. To join the story that has evolved at Wrexham with clear targets is exciting for me.”
Rodriguez made his debut after starting in promotion-chasing Wrexham’s 2-1 league win at Crawley Town at the start of February. He also came on as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 Vertu Trophy quarter-final win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night but has yet to open his account for the Red Dragons.