Wrexham Ready to Smash Their Transfer Record!

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Closing in on Ipswich Forward Nathan Broadhead in £10m Deal

In what could be the boldest statement yet of their footballing ambitions, Wrexham AFC, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are on the verge of pulling off the most expensive signing in the club’s long history. Reports suggest the Red Dragons are close to securing the signature of Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town in a deal that could ultimately be worth up to £10 million — a staggering figure for a club that, just a few years ago, was battling in the National League.

What Happened?

According to multiple outlets, including BBC Sport, negotiations between Wrexham and Ipswich Town are at an advanced stage for the 27-year-old Wales international. Broadhead, who is in the final year of his current deal at Portman Road, appears keen on the move, with personal terms reportedly not expected to be a stumbling block.

The structure of the deal is intriguing. While the initial transfer fee will be lower than the headline £10m figure, performance-related add-ons and clauses mean the final sum could eventually reach that milestone — and in doing so, smash Wrexham’s current transfer record.

Ryan Reynolds Sam Smith Wrexham AFC

The Bigger Picture – Hollywood Meets Football Ambition

If completed, Broadhead would become Wrexham’s ninth signing of what has already been an exceptionally busy summer. The club’s ownership duo, Reynolds and McElhenney, have never been shy about their desire to push the club as far as possible, as quickly as possible.

Just last month, the Welsh side spent a club-record £3 million on midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest, a signing that was widely seen as a marker of intent. Now, only weeks later, they stand ready to more than triple that investment on a single player.

It’s a remarkable transformation for a club whose previous high-profile signings were often free transfers or low-cost deals designed to keep them competitive in the lower leagues. The pace of change since the Hollywood takeover has been nothing short of cinematic.

Did You Know?

Nathan Broadhead might not be a household name outside of Wales and certain Championship circles, but his footballing résumé is quietly impressive.

• Premier League Experience – Broadhead made 18 appearances in the 2024-25 Premier League season, scoring twice despite limited game time.

• International Pedigree – As a Wales international, he brings valuable top-level experience to a squad still adjusting to life in the Championship.

• Proven Versatility – Able to operate across the forward line, Broadhead offers Wrexham both a goal threat and creative link-up play.

It’s this combination of experience, versatility, and local connection that makes him such an attractive proposition for Wrexham’s recruitment team.

Why This Signing Matters So Much

Wrexham v Hull City – Carabao Cup First Round

For Wrexham, this is not just about buying goals. This is about signalling intent to the entire Championship.

The club has already achieved three successive promotions since the arrival of Reynolds and McElhenney — from the National League to League Two, then to League One, and now into the Championship. Each leap has brought new challenges, and while last season’s squad was heroic, the step up in quality at this level demands reinforcements of Broadhead’s calibre.

The Championship is notoriously unforgiving. It is a league where even big-spending clubs can languish in mid-table if they lack the depth and tactical flexibility to compete week in, week out. Adding Broadhead to their ranks suggests Wrexham are not content simply to survive; they’re aiming for the Premier League.

How Ipswich Will Feel the Impact

For Ipswich Town, losing Broadhead is hardly ideal. The Tractor Boys are tipped to be among the front-runners for promotion to the Premier League this season, alongside the likes of Southampton and Birmingham City. Broadhead’s departure could force them back into the market late in the window, potentially paying over the odds to secure a replacement.

While they will likely receive a healthy fee — especially if Wrexham hit the performance targets that trigger the full £10m payout — money in the bank does not score goals on the pitch. Ipswich’s ability to adapt quickly will be key to keeping their promotion push on track.

The Reynolds & McElhenney Effect

It’s worth pausing to appreciate just how far Wrexham have come under their Hollywood owners. When Reynolds and McElhenney first bought the club in 2021, critics dismissed it as a vanity project. The idea of a couple of actors running a historic but struggling Welsh club felt, to some, like a stunt.

Fast forward to 2025, and the narrative has completely shifted. Not only have the owners delivered consistent promotions, but they’ve also invested heavily in infrastructure, the playing squad, and the fan experience. Their global profile has brought unprecedented attention to Wrexham, turning the club into something of a cult favourite in North America, while still keeping faith with its deep local roots.

Championship Reality – Why This Year Is Different

Promotion to the Championship marks the beginning of a new chapter. The quality gap between League One and the Championship is vast — tactically, physically, and financially. Clubs in this division can call upon squads full of ex-Premier League talent, and the competition for the top six is fierce.

Wrexham’s summer recruitment has reflected this challenge:

• Lewis O’Brien – Record signing (until now) to strengthen midfield control.

• Experienced Defenders – To handle the relentless pace and aerial threat of the Championship.

• Attacking Depth – Broadhead would join a front line already boasting pace, power, and finishing ability.

By adding Broadhead, Wrexham are giving themselves a player capable of unlocking stubborn defences — a vital asset in a league where small margins can decide entire seasons.

What’s Next for Wrexham and Ipswich?

The timing of this transfer could be decisive. Wrexham kick off their Championship campaign at home against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, a fixture that will instantly test their readiness for the season ahead.

Should Broadhead be unveiled in time, it would not only be a huge lift for the dressing room but also a statement to the fans that the club is committed to matching ambition with action.

Meanwhile, Ipswich face Southampton at Portman Road on Sunday — a match that could quickly expose the absence of Broadhead if the deal is wrapped up before then.

Final Thoughts – A Deal That Defines an Era

If Nathan Broadhead does indeed sign for Wrexham in a deal potentially worth £10 million, it will be more than just a transfer record. It will be a symbol of the club’s transformation from National League obscurity to genuine Championship contenders.

For Reynolds and McElhenney, it will be another plot twist in a footballing story that has already exceeded the wildest dreams of Wrexham fans. For Broadhead, it could be the platform to become a talismanic figure in one of the most romantic footballing projects of the modern era.

And for the Championship? It’s a reminder that in football, momentum and ambition can be as dangerous as any tactical masterplan — and right now, Wrexham have both in spades.