### Wrexham Official Responds to De Bruyne Transfer Speculation and Outlines Owners’ Ambitions
Wrexham AFC has found themselves at the centre of transfer speculation after securing their place in the Championship, but hopes of a sensational move for Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne have been played down by a key member of the club’s hierarchy. Amid fervent discussion about the next chapter for the North Wales club under Hollywood ownership, supporters had set imaginations racing with dreams of premier-level signings. However, a senior Wrexham advisor has issued a dose of realism, drawing the line at rumours of a move for the Belgian midfielder.
The speculation gained momentum following Wrexham’s promotion from League One, marking their third consecutive step up the footballing ladder. The club’s rapid rise, fuelled by the star power and financial investment of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has seen them mentioned in connection with several high-profile names. Among the most eye-catching was De Bruyne, whose future at Manchester City seemed uncertain after reports emerged he may not be offered a new contract.
Addressing these reports, Les Reed, who serves as an advisor to the Wrexham board and is a former technical director of the Football Association, clarified the situation. In comments made to the i Paper, Reed acknowledged the excitement but categorically denied the chances of De Bruyne pulling on a Wrexham shirt, citing finances as a decisive barrier. “There’s a certain level of Premier League player, and if they are earning in the region of £100,000 to £150,000-a-week, then realistically, options in places like the MLS or Saudi Arabia would be far more financially viable for them than coming here,” explained Reed.
The buzz around Wrexham’s recruitment has only grown as Reynolds and McElhenney make no secret of their ambitions to push the club to new heights, potentially even the Premier League. Yet, Reed was keen to emphasise the reality behind the club’s spending power. While confirming that managers would be well backed in the transfer market, he dismissed the notion of an unlimited pot of money, instead underlining the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach.
Reed was also adamant that Wrexham’s recruitment drive would target players capable of making a significant long-term contribution, rather than simply bringing in high-profile figures at the end of their careers. “In the Championship, new arrivals must be athletic and hungry to compete at this level. This won’t be a destination for players looking for a final payday,” he said, adding that reducing the average age of the squad remains a guiding principle.
Looking ahead, Reed articulated lofty aspirations for the club but also offered a note of caution. Wrexham, he insisted, must continue to dream big and maintain their ambition, but he stopped short of predicting back-to-back promotions into the Premier League. “We’re not going to settle for just being in the Championship after all we’ve achieved. Our mindset is to remain competitive and, in a good season, challenge for the play-offs,” Reed observed, hinting at the determination to keep breaking barriers.
Recent years have seen Wrexham’s global profile soar, largely due to the popularity of the Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which has attracted supporters from far beyond North Wales. The club’s resurgence and accompanying media spotlight have prompted new fans to follow every development with intense interest, cementing Wrexham as arguably one of the fastest-growing football brands in the world.
Meanwhile, the list of possible transfer targets continues to draw expert opinion from across football. Tony Pulis, the respected former Stoke City manager, weighed in on speculation surrounding another potential signing, Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting the Welsh international should remain at the top level for as long as possible before considering a step down. Pulis’s comments highlighted the challenges Wrexham may face in persuading elite players to join them at this stage of the club’s evolution.
As the summer window approaches, Wrexham supporters will be watching closely to see how the recruitment strategy unfolds and how the club’s future is shaped by its Hollywood owners. One thing is certain: the journey at the Racecourse Ground has captured the imagination of fans and observers alike, and the next chapter promises to be just as compelling.