Wrexham have made waves in the transfer market following promotion to League One, and there seems to be more afoot.
Thanks to its Hollywood owners and the blockbuster documentary on Disney+, Wrexham’s story is now one of the most famous in football.
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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2021 and led it from the National League to League One.
They have now achieved two consecutive promotions and are in the third tier of English football.
Here we will see how well prepared they really are, because they will face some very tough opponents.
There are eight former Premier League clubs in League One: Birmingham, Blackpool, Bolton, Charlton, Huddersfield, Reading and Wigan.
Reynolds and McElhenney will also have a little fun.
Deadpool star Reynolds hinted at a possible wild double signing with a social media post captioned “secret scouting mission.”
He was photographed alongside Flamengo star Pedro Guilherme and former Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Hugh Jackman and Emma Louise Corrin were also pictured at the London Stadium.
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However, Wrexham have already caused a stir in the transfer market this summer, having already signed five new names.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who was on loan last season, returns from Arsenal on a free transfer.
The most impressive signing is George Dobson, who left Charlton this summer. Birmingham wanted the former Addicks captain but lost out to Wrexham.
Dobson had signed a contract with a Hungarian team in January but terminated it to stay in League One.
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This week they announced a double deal, with Callum Burton and Sebastian Revan joining.
Burton left Championship club Plymouth at the end of last season.
The other new signing is Lewis Brunt, who joins from Leicester on a three-year deal and whose transfer fee has not been disclosed.
Wrexham signings this summer
Arthur Okonkwo – free transfer (from Arsenal)
George Dobson – free transfer (from Charlton)
Callum Burton – free transfer (from Plymouth)
Sebastian Revan – free transfer (from Aston Villa)
Lewis Brunt – unknown (from Leicester)
Commenting on Wrexham’s transfer plans earlier this summer, manager Phil Parkinson said: “We are working on one or two things. There is still work to be done on the team before the season starts, everyone knows that, but I am very happy with the guys we have brought in so far.”
“They are a really strong addition to our squad and as always we try to select the players we think are best suited to this group and the club.”
“It is a careful selection process because this club is unique for many reasons and I want to make sure that those who come to us quickly integrate into the group but also contribute something.”
He added: “It’s great that Ryan and Rob are the owners of the club, so it’s important that whoever signs is welcomed by Rob and Ryan.
“They are doing a great job and are very committed. Whenever we have signed a player or when we sign a player, they want to be involved. We want to explain to them why we are signing the player and what qualities this particular player brings to the club.”
“Yes, of course. They want them to feel welcome because there is a sense of community here in Wrexham and that is something we want to continue.”
How Ryan Reynolds is selling Wrexham
Wrexham have managed to pull off a number of coups in the transfer market, but how do they manage to land so many big names?
Well, that’s exactly the question Rio Ferdinand asked when Reynolds appeared on his FIVE podcast.
The Hollywood star said: “That’s actually a really good question. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s just about being honest.”
“I speak to every single potential signing we have. In fact, I spoke to George Dobson just today.
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“I will not make decisions about football. I will make decisions that tell the story of this club, its history and its future, and support it in whatever it wants to do outside of football, because that is just as important.”
“For example: What is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand? Do you have anything? And these are things that are going to become increasingly important in 2024.”
Ferdinand was impressed by his answer and added: “This is so different from the football ecosystem I grew up in and that exists today.
“So you guys come from a different angle and you’re going to get players that other people don’t get. Because when you add layers like that.”