Wrexham`s ascent continues predictably, with their fourth season under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney concluding in promotion once again. However, replicating this success in the Championship presents a new challenge. While Wrexham has leveraged significant spending power to rise from the fifth tier to the second, they won`t hold the same financial advantage against established clubs, many benefiting from Premier League parachute payments.
In the Championship, Wrexham won`t just face tougher financial competition but also potentially a gap in star quality. Players who were standout signings for League One, like Jay Rodriguez and Matty James, might not possess the same relative impact in the second tier. Given that their expected goal profile didn`t suggest a dominant League One force, squad reinforcement is clearly needed. Fortunately, the club`s Hollywood owners are well-equipped to make compelling sales pitches. So, who could be joining the roster for Wrexham`s fifth season, their debut in the Championship?
1. The Midfield Maestro: James Ward-Prowse
Wrexham`s rise has been fueled by persuading relatively high-profile players to accept a lower-division move, sweetened by attractive financial packages and the club`s unique profile. Could they now target Premier League talent? West Ham might be willing to offload players. James Ward-Prowse, while sometimes criticized for his ground coverage in the top flight, possesses skills perfectly suited to the Championship – exquisite passing from deep, deadly set-piece delivery, and powerful long-range shots. His potential goals could ignite The Racecourse Ground crowd and generate immense excitement for streaming audiences.
2. The Welsh Legend: Ben Davies
Signing a player of Ben Davies` caliber might be ambitious, potentially a year or two too soon for one of Wales` key players during their successful era (reaching Euros 2016/2020 and World Cup 2022). Currently a valuable squad member at Tottenham with over 20 appearances this season, Spurs are reportedly set to activate an extension keeping him until 2026. However, the 32-year-old isn`t a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou and would likely remain so even with a change in management. A return to his homeland for a guaranteed starting spot on the left side of Phil Parkinson`s back three could be an enticing prospect.
3. The Wild Card: Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy feels almost destined for Wrexham, a move that writes its own dramatic script. The striker known for his rebellious image and high-profile off-field events would be a content goldmine. From a purely footballing standpoint, securing Vardy is a remarkably shrewd move for a 38-year-old. Scoring seven goals in the Premier League this season is impressive, as is his non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes. While his overall stats might not scream `Premier League elite`, Wrexham isn`t aiming for that yet. They need a seasoned veteran who understands the Championship grind and, crucially, makes for compelling television.
4. The Really Wild Card: Sergio Ramos
Currently under contract with Monterrey until 2026 on a reported $5.7 million salary, signing Sergio Ramos would be a jaw-dropping move, likely sending Ryan Reynolds` accountant into a spin. But what else is `Deadpool` money for, if not bringing a World Cup winner and four-time Champions League champion to Wrexham? It`s a move that embodies the owners` ambition and would undoubtedly generate global headlines.
5. The Talent Gamble: Dele Alli
This story writes itself: the former English football golden boy seeking to reignite a career that once seemed destined for greatness. At his peak in 2016-2017, Dele Alli was constantly linked with clubs like Real Madrid, a reflection of his status as a dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder with the world at his feet in a high-flying Tottenham side. His trajectory hasn`t followed that path, but the potential, even if only a fraction of his former self, remains significant. Serie A side Como is currently taking this gamble, though injury and suspension have hampered his time there. Convincing Dele to choose Wrexham over working under Cesc Fabregas in a city arguably offering more than Minera Lead Mines might be a hard sell, but it`s certainly worth exploring the possibility.
