Ryan Reynolds, the Hollywood actor and owner of Wrexham, has made significant moves in the January transfer window by bringing in three new players to boost the squad. The financial backing from Reynolds and his co-owner Rob McElhenney has allowed the League One team to make key signings as they aim to secure Championship status for the upcoming season. The decision to splash out on new talent followed a string of disappointing results for Wrexham, including losses against Stevenage, Shrewsbury Town, and Barnsley. Despite missing out on some targets like Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday and Jayden Danns from Liverpool, the club managed to strengthen their squad with three crucial additions.
One of the notable signings for Wrexham was Ryan Longman, a former Hull City player who joined the team in January. The 24-year-old forward, whose transfer fee remains undisclosed but speculated to be around £500,000, brings with him valuable experience after over 100 Championship appearances. Another significant addition to the Wrexham squad is Sam Smith, the top scorer from Reading, who signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the club for a reported club-record fee of £2 million. Smith, who netted 11 goals in 26 games for Reading this season, has a strong footballing background having come through Manchester United’s academy alongside players like Marcus Rashford.
In addition to Longman and Smith, Wrexham secured the services of Jay Rodriguez, a Burnley forward with a wealth of Premier League experience. Rodriguez, who signed a deal worth approximately £15,000 per week, had previously attracted interest from Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal during his time at Southampton. Despite missing out on finding the net in his debut match for Wrexham against Crawley, Rodriguez’s addition is expected to bring depth and quality to the team’s attacking options. The trio of new signings is a testament to Wrexham’s ambition and determination to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.
Manager Phil Parkinson has expressed optimism regarding the impact of the new signings on the team’s performance, especially considering the struggles they faced in front of goal earlier in the season. The addition of players with experience in top-tier football like Smith and Rodriguez is expected to provide a boost to Wrexham’s attacking capabilities. With Reynolds and McElhenney’s continued support, the club is looking to build on their recent signings and push for success in the Championship next season.
The January transfer window has been a busy and productive period for Wrexham, with the club making strategic moves to address areas of improvement within the squad. The signings of Longman, Smith, and Rodriguez signal the team’s intent to compete at a higher level and aim for success in the upcoming season. As Wrexham fans eagerly await the debut performances of the new recruits, the club’s management remains focused on achieving their goals with the backing of their dedicated owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The recent transfer activity reflects Wrexham’s commitment to strengthening the squad and building a competitive team capable of making an impact in the Championship.