Wrexham have made their first summer signing by capturing striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle.
The 28-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee after scoring 12 goals across all competitions last season. Rated at €1.8m (£1.5m) on Transfermarkt, he has agreed a deal until the summer of 2028.
Hardie Becomes Wrexham’s First Addition After Promotion
Hardie, who began his career at Rangers, netted 10 times in the Championship last season and famously scored the winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup. His contribution came during a difficult campaign for Argyle, which ended in relegation under Wayne Rooney before Miron Muslic steadied the ship late on.
Speaking to Wrexham’s official channels, Hardie said:
“I’m delighted to get the move done, I’m really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going.”
The striker brings with him a wealth of EFL experience. Since initially joining Plymouth on loan in 2020, he has scored 74 goals in 248 appearances, including vital strikes in their 2023 promotion to the Championship and during an EFL Trophy run.
Hardie will now compete with Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Jay Rodriguez, and January recruit Sam Smith for a place in Parkinson’s frontline. Veteran Steven Fletcher has been released, creating space in the forward line for a younger, dynamic option.
Championship Experience Vital For Wrexham’s Ambition
Hardie’s signing is a signal of intent from Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed ownership. Not only have they added a forward with proven Championship pedigree, but they’ve done so early in the window, ensuring Parkinson has time to integrate the player into his tactical setup.
While Hardie’s season was streaky — just two goals under Rooney before 10 under Muslic — the move represents a fresh start at a club buzzing from consecutive promotions and eager to cement themselves in the second tier for the first time since 1982.
Phil Parkinson commented:
“We’re looking forward to working with Ryan and I’m sure everyone will give him a warm welcome to the STōK Cae Ras.”
With Hardie’s deal completed, Wrexham are expected to turn their attention to midfield and full-back areas, with further Championship-quality additions anticipated.
Writer’s View
This is a smart and ambitious signing by Wrexham. Ryan Hardie may not be a headline-grabbing superstar, but he’s a proven goalscorer at Championship level and fits perfectly into the club’s high-intensity, forward-thinking style.
His pace and composure offer something different to Wrexham’s existing strikeforce, and he’s arriving with a point to prove. For a club planning to do more than just survive in the Championship, Hardie is exactly the kind of player they should be targeting — experienced, hungry, and capable of decisive moments.
