Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney inject €56 million to push club toward top-flight football
Category: Sports
Wrexham AFC, the Welsh football club co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is making headlines again as it intensifies efforts to secure promotion to the Premier League. As of March 29, 2026, the club is reportedly working on identifying transfer targets and preparing for a substantial financial outlay if they achieve a fourth consecutive promotion.
In their quest for top-flight football, Wrexham has set its sights on Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph, a 22-year-old striker currently on loan at Real Mallorca. Joseph has made just three goalless appearances in the Premier League and has scored six goals in 73 outings for Leeds, primarily during his time in the Championship. His contract with Leeds runs until 2028, allowing the club to demand a hefty fee, estimated at around £7.5 million ($10 million). Wrexham is one of three Championship clubs interested in securing his services, but any move will depend on their promotion status.
Former Wrexham player Frank Sinclair emphasized the financial commitment required for Wrexham to compete effectively in the Premier League. He stated, "Yeah, they would have to. If they've got any ambition to become a regular stay in the Premier League and not be one of the yo-yo clubs." Sinclair noted that to avoid being a team that struggles to maintain its league status, Wrexham might need to spend between £50 million to £70 million on a player.
As it stands, Wrexham is currently seventh in the Championship table with seven games left to play, just outside the playoff spots. The team, managed by Phil Parkinson, has already made history with three consecutive promotions from the National League to League One and now to the Championship. With only six points separating them from the playoff places, the Red Dragons are eager to secure their place in the Premier League.
In addition to their ambitions on the pitch, Wrexham has also made headlines for its financial growth. The club recorded its highest-ever revenue of €39 million (approximately 67.7 billion KRW) during the 2024-2025 League One season, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. This impressive financial performance is largely attributed to the club's growing international appeal, driven by Reynolds and McElhenney's involvement and the success of the documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham." Notably, 58% of Wrexham's total revenue now comes from overseas markets.
To support this growth, Reynolds and McElhenney, along with new investors such as Apollo Sports Capital, have injected over €56 million (around 97.2 billion KRW) into the club. This investment is particularly notable as Wrexham's operational deficit surged to €17.8 million (approximately 31 billion KRW), nearly five times higher than the previous season. The club's financial challenges were exacerbated by a special loss of €4.4 million due to the bankruptcy of a British currency exchange firm.
As part of their long-term vision, Wrexham plans to construct a new 7,500-seat spectator stand at the Racecourse Ground, which will increase the stadium's capacity and position it as a candidate venue for the 2035 Women’s World Cup. The club's average attendance has already seen a boost, with 12,781 fans attending matches this season, aided by a temporary 3,000-seat stand.
On a different front, Wrexham's community engagement remains strong. The club's owners recently donated £8,000 toward the rehabilitation of former player Jordan Tunnicliffe, who suffered a serious knee injury. Tunnicliffe expressed his gratitude, stating, "I don't think I will ever be able to thank them enough." The club set up a crowdfunding page to help cover Tunnicliffe's medical expenses, which has raised over £15,000.
The club's women's team has also made history, clinching their first Adran Premier title in a thrilling match against Cardiff City. A hat-trick from Katie Barker helped secure a league and cup double for Wrexham, marking a successful season for both the men's and women's sides. This victory ends Cardiff's three-year title reign and highlights Wrexham's commitment to developing its women's football program.
As Wrexham prepares for its next matches, including a challenging run against teams like Southampton and Birmingham, the stakes are high. The club's ambition to compete in the Premier League is clear, and with Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, fans are hopeful for a bright future.
Looking ahead, Wrexham's next match is against relegation-threatened West Brom, and a strong performance could be key to securing their playoff position. With the financial backing and community support, the Red Dragons are not just aiming for promotion; they are building a sustainable future in football.
In the words of Sinclair, the club's ambitions are not just about immediate success but about establishing Wrexham as a competitive force in the Premier League for years to come.