Wrexham’s celebrity owners are reportedly planning another ambitious move in the January window, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney said to be seeking transfer advice from Manchester City’s recruitment team.
What Happened and Why It Matters
The Red Dragons are showing no signs of easing their remarkable rise through the English football pyramid. After 3 straight promotions, the North Wales club are now battling to establish themselves in the Championship, and their ownership duo remain determined to reach the Premier League.
Reports claim Reynolds and McElhenney have already approved a move for another striker in January as they look to sharpen Phil Parkinson’s attack. Despite an estimated £33 million outlay last summer, including the £10 million capture of Nathan Broadhead, Wrexham have managed just one Championship goal from their record signing so far.
NATHAN BROADHEAD!!!
Llygedyn o obaith yn hwyr i Gymru!@Cymru | @S4Cchwaraeon pic.twitter.com/ACVRnQcJEL
— Sgorio (@sgorio) October 13, 2025
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The club sit 18th in the table, 4 points above the relegation zone but only 5 off the play-offs, leaving the owners convinced that another attacking option could turn fine margins into momentum.
“Ryan is patient, but he’s also a perfectionist,” a source told CEO Today. “He understands investment cycles, but football is a different world. You can’t script form, luck, or goals.”
That blend of Hollywood ambition and financial discipline has defined Wrexham’s modern story. The pair’s willingness to combine bold investment with expert advice has reportedly led them to reach out to contacts within Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City setup for guidance on scouting and analytics.
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
The move underlines how seriously Wrexham are approaching their latest challenge. Their recruitment model has evolved rapidly since the early days of signing proven EFL performers such as Paul Mullin and Ben Tozer. Now, with Premier League-level support and resources, the focus is on analytics, efficiency, and global reach.
“Reynolds, ever the networker, has reached out to contacts within City’s structure for insight,” another insider explained. “He wants to understand what separates elite clubs from good ones in terms of data, decision-making, and value.”
Financially, the story is equally compelling. The club’s wage bill has reportedly quadrupled since the 2021 takeover, while annual losses are said to hover near £10 million. Yet those close to the ownership insist there is no panic. Instead, they frame Wrexham as a long-term project balancing community roots with worldwide brand appeal.
Rob and Ryan understood the assignment 😆@Gatorade
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/QP6juY7HOc
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 26, 2025
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Marketing strategist Laura Felton described Reynolds’ approach as unorthodox but effective:
“Ryan doesn’t chase exits; he chases meaning. That’s why audiences and investors trust him. His products tell stories that feel alive.”
For manager Phil Parkinson, the January window could provide a crucial lifeline in the club’s Championship push. Wrexham’s next match sees them travel to Stoke City, aiming to extend a 5-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Whether a new striker arrives or not, Reynolds’ decision to turn to Manchester City’s model shows just how far the Racecourse Ground story has evolved, from National League survival to Premier League aspiration in barely four years.
