Another season, another promotion for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney`s Wrexham AFC. It seems the Red Dragons` ascent is unstoppable.
But can this remarkable rise continue in the Championship? Wrexham`s financial advantage, significant in the lower leagues, may not be as pronounced against established clubs, some boosted by Premier League parachute payments.
While Wrexham has attracted notable players previously, they might need even bigger names for the second tier. Given their performance profile in League One didn`t always dominate, strengthening the squad is crucial. With Hollywood owners pitching, who might join the Wrexham cast for their Championship campaign?
1. The Midfield Maestro, James Ward-Prowse
Wrexham`s journey has involved persuading established players to step down a division, compensated by attractive salaries and high profile. Their current squad features players capable of Championship football, but for the next step, they might need players looking to move on from the Premier League. West Ham could potentially offer such options.
James Ward-Prowse, known in the Premier League for his incredible set-piece ability but perhaps less for covering ground, could be a superstar in the Championship. Imagine his trademark free kicks and long-range shots wowing the Racecourse Ground faithful and generating huge buzz for the documentary.
2. The Welsh Great, Ben Davies
It might be slightly early for Ben Davies, a key figure in recent successful eras for Welsh football. He remains a useful squad player at Tottenham, having featured in numerous games this season.
Although Spurs reportedly have an option to extend his contract until 2026, the 32-year-old doesn`t seem central to the starting lineup under the current or potentially new manager. Could a return to Wales, offering a guaranteed starting spot on the left of Wrexham`s defense, tempt him?
3. The Wild Card, Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy joining Wrexham feels almost inevitable due to the sheer entertainment factor. His well-known personality and his wife`s high-profile legal case would be a documentary producer`s dream.
Even purely from a football perspective, Vardy, at 38, could be a smart acquisition. His goal record in the Premier League this season (seven goals) and underlying stats suggest he still offers value. While Wrexham isn`t targeting peak Premier League talent yet, a veteran striker with Championship experience who also brings compelling TV content would be ideal.
4. The Really Wild Card, Sergio Ramos
Signing Sergio Ramos, a legendary and charismatic figure, would be incredibly expensive given his current contract and salary in Mexico. However, bringing a World Cup and multiple Champions League winner to Wrexham would be an extraordinary use of the owners` resources.
As Jose Mourinho once said, “I will love it and I think I deserve it.”
5. The Talent Punt, Dele Alli
The narrative here is compelling: Dele Alli, once considered England`s brightest young talent, seeking to rekindle his career. At his peak around 2016-2017, he was so impressive that links to Real Madrid seemed perfectly natural. He was a dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder in a Tottenham team that appeared on the verge of winning trophies.
His career hasn`t progressed as expected, but even regaining a fraction of his former ability would make him a valuable player. Italian side Como is currently taking this gamble, though his time there has been hampered by injuries and suspensions. Persuading Dele to leave the appeal of working under Cesc Fabregas in a scenic Italian city for Wrexham`s environment might be tough, but it`s certainly worth attempting.
