**US Football Icon Landon Donovan Raises Questions on Wrexham’s Rise and Spending Under Ryan Reynolds**
Wrexham AFC’s remarkable ascent through the English football pyramid has attracted global attention, thanks in part to its superstar co-owners, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The club’s dramatic progress from the non-league to the Championship—just three seasons after the duo’s takeover—has been celebrated as a football fairy tale. Yet, amid the cheers and cinematic storytelling, a prominent voice in the football world has cast doubt on the so-called “miracle” unfolding in North Wales.
Landon Donovan, an acclaimed figure in US football and former LA Galaxy star, recently aired a candid assessment of Wrexham’s trajectory. Speaking on the ‘Unfiltered Soccer’ podcast alongside Tim Howard, the former Everton and US national team goalkeeper, Donovan challenged the narrative that Wrexham’s rise is an improbable feat against the odds, instead drawing focus to the financial muscle that has powered their progress.
“If you watch the show [Welcome to Wrexham], you’d believe it’s some kind of miracle, but the reality is very different,” Donovan remarked. “They’ve spent more than any of their rivals in the leagues they’ve come up through. It’s remarkable, but not as extraordinary as it’s made out to be.” His comments highlight the financial disparity between Wrexham and other clubs at their level since Reynolds and McElhenney’s arrival in 2020.
Under the ownership of the Hollywood pair, Wrexham has seen unprecedented investment. The club posted a then-unheard-of £10 million in revenue during their National League days, surpassing many League Two and even some League One sides. Their financial momentum continued, with revenues soaring to £26.7 million for the 2024/25 season, as reported by the Daily Star. Transfer expenditure followed suit, with Wrexham outspending all other League Two clubs by £200,000, and then setting new club records with signings such as Sam Smith, for whom they paid £2 million in League One. Across the season, Wrexham’s total transfer spend reached an estimated £4.2 million.
Donovan’s comments reflect a broader debate about the role of affluent celebrity owners reshaping traditional club trajectories. Comparisons have been drawn with other Championship clubs, particularly Birmingham City with US NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner. Both clubs have seen their profiles—and spending—soar. Notably, when both were in League One, transfer spending reached new heights. Birmingham paid a club record £15 million for Jay Stansfield, signalling a shift in financial power at that level.
Despite their spending, Wrexham were actually the third-highest spenders in their league that season, behind Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town. This context raises pertinent questions about what constitutes a “miraculous” rise, especially in the heavily commercialised landscape of modern football. Donovan is clear: Wrexham’s accomplishments have been impressive, but he challenges the idea that they defy the realities of football’s financial logic.
Looking ahead, Donovan expressed scepticism about whether Wrexham can sustain this momentum in the notoriously competitive Championship. “Whether they can replicate this in the Championship is another issue,” he cautioned. “I read rumours they’re ready to offer £50,000-a-week wages. They certainly have deep pockets, but the risk grows. You could easily lose £30 or £40 million in the push for promotion without success. It’ll be fascinating to see how far they’re willing to go.”
Tim Howard, Donovan’s fellow US international and co-host, offered a more optimistic view while noting the steep challenge ahead. He pointed out that the single hardest leap in English football is from the Championship to the Premier League, given the immense financial disparities. “Money drives success in football, and Wrexham’s owners are pouring it in. If they maintain this investment, they might just clinch another promotion—but nothing is guaranteed at this level,” Howard observed.
Wrexham’s rapid progression, spurred by celebrity investment and a reshaped financial model, offers a compelling snapshot of football’s evolving landscape. While the romance of rags-to-riches stories will never lose its appeal, Donovan’s comments serve as a reminder that, behind every fairy tale, there’s often a substantial cheque book.
The spotlight will remain on Wrexham as the new season approaches, with football purists and fans of the club alike keen to see whether the ambitious project can survive the rigours and unpredictability of Championship football. Regardless of outcome, Wrexham’s journey under Reynolds and McElhenney will undoubtedly continue to provoke debate about the changing face of the sport.