It seems almost scripted: Wrexham AFC, guided by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have achieved yet another promotion, advancing to the English Championship. A new year brings the same predictable outcome – the Red Dragons are moving up.
However, replicating this success in the Championship will be a significant challenge. With celebrity owners and prominent sponsors, Wrexham climbed from the fifth tier to the second, often having a financial edge over their lower-league rivals. This parity is unlikely to continue when they face established clubs, some potentially benefiting from Premier League parachute payments.
Wrexham may not have the same comparative financial strength or even the same level of star power they enjoyed in the lower divisions. While players previously signed were excellent for League One, the jump in quality in the Championship is substantial. Their performance profile in the third tier didn`t necessarily scream `dominant force,` highlighting the need for reinforcement. Fortunately, two Hollywood owners are perfectly placed to make the pitch to potential recruits. So, who could be joining the cast for Season Five, as Wrexham begins its campaign in the Championship?
1. The Midfield Maestro: James Ward-Prowse
Wrexham`s rise has often involved persuading relatively well-known players that the financial package and visibility at the Racecourse Ground outweigh the perceived step down in division. Their current squad features players capable of performing in the Championship, but now they need additions from the Premier League tier. West Ham might be willing partners in this regard.
In the top flight, James Ward-Prowse is sometimes defined by his limitations, notably covering ground. However, in the second tier – spraying passes from deep, delivering pinpoint set-pieces, or unleashing shots from distance – he possesses genuine superstar potential. Imagine the crowd reaction at the Racecourse Ground when Ward-Prowse curls in his first free kick from 25 yards. Picture the documentary subscribers rewinding the moment repeatedly.
2. The Welsh Veteran: Ben Davies
This move might be a year premature for one of the great Welsh players of his generation, a key figure in the nation`s successful eras that saw them reach Euros 2016 and 2020, plus the 2022 World Cup. Currently, Ben Davies, an academy product of Swansea City, remains a valuable squad member at Tottenham. He featured in 23 games across all competitions before Spurs` match against Liverpool on April 27.
Reports suggest Spurs will activate the extension clause in Davies` contract, keeping him in North London until summer 2026. However, the 32-year-old isn`t a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou and is unlikely to become one even with a change of manager. Could he be tempted by a return to his homeland for a guaranteed starting spot on the left side of Phil Parkinson`s back three?
3. The Wild Card: Jamie Vardy
This potential signing feels almost too obvious – it would be surprising *not* to see Jamie Vardy in Wrexham colours next season. The forward, known for his unique celebrations, trolling opponents, and having a wife involved in a high-profile trial? That`s compelling content for the documentary.
Even purely as a footballing investment, Vardy represents a remarkably shrewd option for a 38-year-old. Scoring seven Premier League goals is impressive, as is his 0.3 non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes in the top flight this season. While his overall statistical profile might not look like peak Premier League, Wrexham isn`t aiming for that level yet. Acquiring a seasoned striker who understands the demands of the league, *and* provides fantastic narrative, makes perfect sense.
4. The Truly Wild Card: Sergio Ramos
Under contract with Monterrey until 2026 on a reported $5.7 million deal, signing one of football`s most iconic figures from the last two decades would certainly raise eyebrows among Reynolds` accountants. Yet, what is all that `Deadpool` money for if not to potentially bring a World Cup winner and four-time European champion to the Racecourse Ground?
“I will love it and I think I deserve it,” as the famous quote goes.
5. The Talent Gamble: Dele Alli
Again, the storyline writes itself: the former English football prodigy seeking to rediscover the form that once made him world-class. And he *was* world-class. For a period in 2016 and 2017, hardly a week passed without Dele Alli being linked with Real Madrid. Such stories felt entirely natural; who wouldn`t want the dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder who seemed destined for greatness in a Tottenham team poised for trophies?
Things didn`t pan out that way, but securing even half of the player Dele was at his peak would be a significant boost. Serie A side Como is currently taking this gamble, although his time there has been impacted by injuries and suspensions. Persuading Dele to leave working under Cesc Fabregas in a city arguably offering more than local retail parks might be a tough sell for even the most devoted Wrexham fan. Still, trying couldn`t hurt, could it?
