**Wrexham Set to Smash Transfer Record as Reynolds Eyes Major Signings Ahead of Championship**
Wrexham’s high-profile preparations for the upcoming Championship season have ramped up considerably, with co-owner Ryan Reynolds reportedly on the brink of authorising the club’s largest-ever spending spree in the transfer market. As anticipation grows in the wake of the team’s back-to-back promotions, at least five new names are being linked with a switch to the Racecourse Ground.
Following their promotion from League One in April, Wrexham’s progress has been steady but deliberate. The club welcomed two significant additions early in the summer: Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie and Leicester and Wales shot-stopper Danny Ward. These signings were followed by a quiet period as the squad travelled for a high-profile pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand—a tour that has not slowed off-field negotiations.
Michael Williamson, Wrexham’s chief executive, has been candid about the sheer volume of work taking place behind the scenes. Writing in a recent column for The Athletic, Williamson detailed long nights spent juggling communications with agents, staff, and directors on both sides of the globe. “There are a million different things that need dealing with, especially emails,” he noted, highlighting the relentless pace of football operations in today’s global game.
This dedication from the club’s hierarchy appears poised to bear fruit. According to a range of reports, at least one deal in the works is set to eclipse Wrexham’s current record outlay of £2 million—previously set with the signing of striker Sam Smith from Reading in January.
The name most firmly attached to this anticipated milestone is Liberato Cacace, a New Zealand international currently playing at left-back for Empoli. Cacace has amassed an impressive 74 appearances in Italy’s top flight, and with Empoli’s recent relegation, Wrexham have seized their opportunity. Reports from Italy suggest a deal starting at £2.16 million (potentially rising to £4 million with add-ons) is close, with manager Phil Parkinson openly praising Cacace’s character. “If we can get the signing completed, he will fit in with the culture we’ve created at Wrexham,” Parkinson told reporters in New Zealand.
Cacace is far from the only player in Wrexham’s sights. The club is understood to be considering a £3 million approach for Hull City centre-back Alfie Jones. The 27-year-old, who was named Hull’s player of the year in 2023, brings with him a wealth of Championship experience and is attracting competition from Middlesbrough. However, with only a year left on his contract, Wrexham may be able to clinch his signature.
Midfield reinforcements are also being targeted. Bolton’s captain George Thomason is reportedly a top priority, with a possible £1.2 million switch rumoured. Thomason, 24, has built a solid reputation since his arrival from non-league in 2020, accumulating over 160 appearances and netting 13 goals. Huddersfield are also credited with an interest.
There is also movement in attacking options. Josh Windass, well-known for his spells with Sheffield Wednesday and as the son of Hull City legend Dean Windass, is now a free agent. His release from Wednesday “by mutual consent” has sparked interest across the league, with Wrexham joined by Derby and Rangers in their pursuit.
Another prominent name linked repeatedly with Wrexham is Michael Smith, another player let go by Sheffield Wednesday this transfer window. Smith’s proven goal-scoring record—including 29 strikes in 111 matches for Wednesday—makes him a tempting solution to Wrexham’s current injury woes up front. There is, however, also reported interest from Middlesbrough as the player weighs up his options.
While such ambitious recruitment marks a significant shift for Wrexham since the Hollywood takeover, it also serves as a statement of the club’s intent. Both Reynolds and McElhenney have pledged ongoing investment, and this transfer window illustrates their desire to build not just for survival in the Championship, but to push even higher.
As the deals near completion and the clock ticks down to the start of the season, Wrexham’s approach is a bold one. With the backing of wealthy and committed owners, the club is eager to prove that its rapid rise is no fleeting phenomenon, but the beginning of a new and exciting era in Welsh football.