Wrexham’s Hollywood owners could face Saudi Pro League challenge over transfers
Wrexham could face unlikely competition from the Saudi Pro League as they look to add star players and continue to grow as a club. The Red Dragons have signed several big names since the new ownership took control of the Welsh side, persuading former Premier League players to compete at a lower level.
Back in November 2020, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – famed for creating and starring in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ – teamed up to purchase Wrexham for just under £2.2m. They used their platforms to shine a light on the club and area, largely though the popular Disney+ documentary titled ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
Last season, Wrexham achieved promotion to League Two and currently sit second in the division. The Red Dragons are five points off Stockport atop the league and the Welsh club are next in action against Yeovil Town in the second round of the FA Cup.
Ever since Reynolds and McElhenney spectacularly took over, Wrexham have been buoyed by a resurgent energy while also securing attractive and lucrative new sponsors. Wrexham have been linked with plenty of former Premier League players and football stars as they continue to hit headlines – and former player Brett Ormerod hopes the club can beat other competitors to the right stars.
“Wrexham will be able to attract very good players now – if Saudi Arabia don’t get there first!” Ormerod, who made 74 league appearances for Wrexham between 2012 and 2014, told Stocklytics. “Most importantly, these players have to be able to perform on the pitch.
“It’s alright signing a big name, but if they’re not going to play much or they’re constantly injured then it’s not very good. The budget will increase if Wrexham get promoted to League One and the media hype will continue to increase.
“The owners seem very ambitious, they seem to have very deep pockets and they’ve installed a bit of Hollywood glitter onto Wrexham. There is staff still working at Wrexham from when I was there so it’s nice to see, after everything they’ve been through, that it’s completely flipped.”
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Wrexham ended a 15-year absence from the football league when they secured the National League title with a 111-point total back in May. Both McElhenney and Reynolds were in attendance as an emotional 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood at the Racecourse clinched promotion.
The celebrity owners also rewarded the triumphant players with an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to celebrate, highlighting the strong bond they share with the dressing room. Players appear to thrive off the added celebrity presence since McElhenney and Reynolds arrived, and the American duo hope this will lead to further success on the pitch.
Wrexham face Yeovil in their next contest, a second-round FA Cup clash at the Racecourse on Sunday 2 December.
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