Could Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Sell Wrexham? Growing Financial Concerns
Speculation is mounting about the future ownership of Wrexham AFC, with increasing worries that Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney might be compelled to consider selling the club. Since their acquisition in February 2021, when Wrexham was in the National League (the fifth tier of English football), Reynolds, 48, and McElhenney, 47, have become beloved figures at the club.
Their tenure has been marked by remarkable success, overseeing two consecutive promotions, propelling the team into League One. Wrexham is currently aiming for a third promotion in as many years, sitting comfortably in the League One promotion playoff spots after 37 games this season.
Premier League Dreams and Financial Realities for Wrexham FC
Fueling Wrexham’s ambitious journey is the considerable wealth of its owners, estimated to be around $400 million (£309 million) combined. This financial backing has enabled the club to attract seasoned players, even those with Premier League experience. Notable signings include James McClean, Matty James, Jay Rodriguez, and Steven Fletcher, all bolstering manager Phil Parkinson’s squad.
With the team’s current trajectory, a Premier League appearance by 2026 seems within reach. However, former England international Darren Bent has cautioned Reynolds and McElhenney about the escalating financial demands of running a Premier League club.
Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, questioned the long-term financial sustainability, stating, “I know they’re worth loads, like 400 million, but when does that become not enough? 400 million in real-life terms is a ridiculous amount of money, like stupid wealth. If they get to the Championship, then all of a sudden, 400 million is still doable, but in the Premier League, it’s nothing. I hope they don’t do that (sell the club) after getting them all the way up because how are they going to survive without them?”
Wrexham are currently third in League One (Credit:Getty)
Despite these financial considerations, Wrexham remains focused and ambitious. Co-owner Ryan Reynolds has openly discussed the aspiration of Premier League football for the Red Dragons within the next decade.
In an interview on Men in Blazers, Reynolds conveyed his and McElhenney’s shared ambition: “I mean, 10 years from now… we would be morons to not want to see this club in the Premier League but to also be unique in that everything about the place has stayed true to what it originally was – I mean, that’s kind of the perfect scenario.”
He further added, recalling an early conversation with McElhenney, “I remember Rob early on, he was like ‘of course we want to go to the Premier League’, and it eventually got into my cells… hell yes we want that, why wouldn’t we want that? Who wouldn’t want that? And we can kind of see it, you know?”
The value of Wrexham AFC has skyrocketed under their ownership. Purchased for approximately £2 million, the club is now estimated to be worth £100 million, according to Bloomberg reports.
**Key Highlights of Wrexham’s Progress Under Reynolds & McElhenney:**
- **Takeover:** Completed in February 2021 when Wrexham was in the National League.
- **Promotions:** Achieved back-to-back promotions, now competing in League One.
- **Current League Position:** Third in League One after 37 matches, pushing for promotion.
- **Increased Club Value:** Valuation soared from £2m to £100m.
- **Player Signings:** Attracted ex-Premier League players like James McClean and Steven Fletcher.
The question remains whether the financial pressures of the Premier League could become a hurdle too high, potentially leading Reynolds and McElhenney to consider selling their beloved club despite their aspirations. Only time will tell if the Hollywood fairytale at Wrexham can continue its remarkable climb to the very top of English football.
What do you think? Will Reynolds and McElhenney be able to sustain Wrexham’s Premier League ambitions, or could financial realities force a sale in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!