**Wrexham Prepare for Championship As Hollywood Owners Set Sights on Premier League Talent**
Wrexham AFC stand on the cusp of an exciting transformation as they brace themselves for life in the Championship, following a remarkable season which saw them clinch automatic promotion. With Hollywood megastars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, the club has wasted little time in beginning a summer overhaul, aiming to strengthen a squad eager to compete at a higher level.
A significant part of this transition is marked by the sum of difficult decisions now being made within the camp. Veteran striker Steven Fletcher, crucial in recent promotion campaigns and scorer of eight goals in League One this term, has confirmed his departure. Fletcher’s statement on social media suggested the decision was out of his hands, offering a glimpse into the firm, often unsentimental, approach being employed by the club’s leadership as they plan for the future.
The coming months are likely to be pivotal for manager Phil Parkinson, who has openly acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead. While Wrexham’s promotion has generated understandable optimism, Parkinson has made it clear he intends to maintain a tightly-knit group. “Maintaining the right culture at the club is paramount,” he said. “It’s about assembling a team with the right attitude—avoiding egos and superstars for the greater good.”
With no explicit list of transfer targets revealed, speculation is mounting around several players, including experienced campaigners familiar with the demands of the Championship and Premier League. Most notably, Wrexham have reportedly lodged an offer for an unnamed current Premier League captain, signalling the kind of ambition not seen at the club in generations. Yet, even as they aim high, the emphasis remains on preserving a hardworking, ego-free dressing room.
Defensive reinforcements are expected to be a pressing concern. The team’s backline still contains players who have journeyed with the club from its National League days, and with some reliable stalwarts departing, the search for experience and quality is on. Among the names strongly linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground is Jonny Evans, currently at Manchester United. The Northern Irish centre-back, whose contract expires this summer, could provide invaluable leadership at the heart of defence, should the move materialise.
Simultaneously, Wrexham are said to be monitoring Maksym Talovierov, who was recently relegated with Plymouth Argyle, while keeping an eye on Swansea City’s Harry Darling. With Mark Howard leaving the club, the goalkeeping department may also see fresh faces—though current No.1 Arthur Okonkwo’s impressive form suggests only minor changes may be needed there.
The midfield is also expected to see further bolstering. Last summer saw the acquisitions of George Dobson and Ollie Rathbone, who added depth and grit. Phil Parkinson also recruited Matty James, an experienced midfielder with Premier League pedigree. Nevertheless, supporters are eager for additional creative spark, and rumours swirl around a potential move for Fulham captain Tom Cairney. With his contract winding down and experience at the highest level, Cairney’s arrival would mark a coup for Wrexham and send a message about the club’s intent.
Shifting focus to the attack, reinforcements made in January—with Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez arriving—proved crucial in the club’s promotion charge. Even so, Parkinson’s willingness to rotate his forward line, often leaving out popular figures like Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin, suggests no player’s place is guaranteed at a higher level. The club has been linked with high-profile strikers such as Jamie Vardy and Patrick Bamford, though salary demands could prove prohibitive. Cardiff’s Callum Robinson, following his own team’s relegation, and Plymouth’s Ryan Hardie are other names under consideration.
Overall, Wrexham’s plans for the off-season underscore both ambition and pragmatism. Reinforcements are required in virtually every department if the club is to not only survive but thrive in the Championship. For Reynolds, McElhenney, and the supporters, the hope is that a blend of experienced heads and hungry new arrivals can propel this storied Welsh club ever closer to the promise of Premier League football.
As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on the Racecourse Ground to see which targets are landed and how the club takes shape for its next historic challenge. Whatever happens, the journey promises to be as compelling off the pitch as on it, as Wrexham AFC continues its remarkable renaissance under Hollywood’s bright lights.