**Wrexham’s Rising Ambition Threatens Old Firm Transfer Targets**
Wrexham AFC, the storied Welsh football club revitalised under Hollywood ownership, is rapidly establishing itself as a major force in the transfer market. Following their impressive promotion to the Championship, the club’s upward trajectory shows no sign of slowing, and it is not just the team’s on-pitch results grabbing attention. According to former Premier League striker Matt Jansen, Wrexham’s financial clout and growing status are positioning them as direct competitors to Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, particularly in their pursuit of coveted free agents.
Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their high-profile acquisition of Wrexham in early 2021, the club has been riding a wave of investment and global interest. Millions have been injected into the Red Dragons, fuelling hopes of further promotion, and potentially, a long-anticipated shot at Premier League football. The owners’ commitment to transforming Wrexham has turned the club into an attractive destination for experienced players seeking a new challenge.
The upcoming transfer window is expected to be crucial for the club’s ambitions. Among the names reportedly on Wrexham’s radar is former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, whose future remains uncertain following his exit from the Foxes. Vardy has also been connected to both Rangers and Celtic, but growing speculation suggests that Wrexham’s allure—and bankroll—could see them win the race for his signature.
Jansen, speaking to Genting Casino, articulated the mounting challenge Wrexham now poses to more established clubs north of the border. “Yes, I think there will be a host of teams competing for the same players now,” said Jansen. “Birmingham are spending big too. But Wrexham, with the investment behind them, are now in that conversation and could genuinely rival Celtic and Rangers for certain targets, especially those based in England.”
When the discussion turned to another high-profile free agent, Ashley Young—formerly of Everton—Jansen pointed out that geography may also play a role in transfer decisions. “Celtic are massive and have the lure of Champions League football. But for someone like Ashley, who’s been living in the north west of England, the prospect of joining a club just down the road in Wrexham at 39 might be more appealing than relocating to Scotland. It’s a difficult decision, but Wrexham’s proximity and project could hold real sway.”
The conversation around Vardy remains particularly intriguing. Jansen believes that, if Wrexham were to land the veteran forward, it could be a coup for the club and a blow to their illustrious Scottish competitors. “Vardy proved he can still deliver last season, scoring nine times in the Premier League,” Jansen noted. He went on to argue that Vardy’s experience and sharpness could be crucial in helping Wrexham navigate the demands of a long Championship campaign, especially as a potential successor to Paul Mullin.
Despite the undeniable draw of Champions League football on offer at Celtic, the scale and ambition of Wrexham’s project—combined with a competitive wage structure—make for a compelling pitch to sought-after players entering the free agent market. The club is now firmly in the running for marquee signings who, in previous years, might never have considered the Racecourse Ground.
The knock-on effect for Scottish football’s two traditional powerhouses cannot be underestimated. As financial disparities between England and Scotland widen, clubs like Wrexham, with ambitious owners and rising status, threaten to upset the traditional hierarchy when it comes to securing experienced personnel. The upcoming summer could bring a new dynamic to transfer dealings, as both Celtic and Rangers are forced to contend with challengers they might once have considered beneath their gaze.
As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, supporters and rivals alike will watch with interest to see which big names are convinced to join the club’s journey. With celebrity ownership, a fervent fanbase, and clear ambitions for the Premier League, the Red Dragons are ready to challenge football’s established order and potentially reshape the British transfer landscape.