Resentment or Revolution? Reynolds, McElhenney & Wrexham Eye Big Summer Spend Amid £50k-a-Week Warning

Wrexham Hollywood-backed rise continues, but financial risks loom ahead of Championship return

From non-league obscurity to Championship football in just three years, Wrexham’s dramatic climb has been the stuff of dreams—and documentaries. But with every new chapter in the club’s remarkable renaissance, the stakes get higher, and so does the bill.

Now, as the Red Dragons prepare for life in the second tier, the summer transfer window looks set to be their most ambitious yet. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are once again ready to loosen the purse strings, but not everyone is convinced that spending big guarantees success—or harmony.

The Price of Progress: Wrexham Ready to Roll the Dice Again

Rob McElhenney Ryan Reynolds Wrexham

Under the Hollywood duo’s stewardship, Wrexham have done more than just climb the football ladder—they’ve smashed ceilings. From pumping money into infrastructure at the Racecourse Ground to smashing club transfer records, Reynolds and McElhenney have proved they’re not here for a quick win. They want to build something lasting.

In January 2025, the club spent a reported £2 million to bring in Sam Smith—a figure that would’ve been unthinkable just a couple of years ago. Soon after, seasoned striker Jay Rodriguez joined the fold on a £15,000-a-week deal. That was seen as a statement: experience, Premier League pedigree, and firepower.

Now, with Championship football confirmed, Wrexham are reportedly targeting Fulham captain Tom Cairney—who will soon be a free agent. Reports suggest the Welsh side could offer him a staggering £50,000 per week to sign.

Don Goodman: “Impressive Numbers, But No Guarantees”

Former EFL striker turned pundit Don Goodman has offered a cautious perspective on Wrexham’s bold approach. Speaking to Football League World, Goodman addressed the whispers around Cairney’s salary and the £30,000-a-week Birmingham are reportedly ready to offer Kwame Poku.

“If those figures that you’ve quoted are true, fifty thousand pounds a week that Wrexham are prepared to pay Tom Cairney and thirty thousand pounds a week Birmingham are prepared to pay Kwame Poku, then they will be two of the highest paid players in the Championship,” Goodman said.

“That in itself is staggering really to be fair… impressive numbers, but they don’t really guarantee you anything.”

The key issue, according to Goodman, is balance—not just on the pitch, but off it. “It’s just a case of how many others can you put on those kind of wages,” he continued. “And if it’s not many, is there going to be resentment and disharmony in the changing room? I’m not sure about that.”

It’s a fair point. Throwing money around might attract big names, but football clubs are built on unity, not just talent. Dressing rooms thrive on trust and equality. Bringing in one or two players on astronomical wages can upset the delicate ecosystem.

Vardy, Savage & More: Big Names Linked with Wrexham

Tom Cairney Wrexham

Cairney isn’t the only big name on Wrexham’s radar. The club is rumoured to be eyeing a move for Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy following his farewell to the King Power Stadium.

Vardy, now 38, may not have the legs he once did, but his experience—and box-office appeal—would align perfectly with Wrexham’s headline-grabbing strategy. Whether Vardy would be tempted by a final chapter in Wales, with cameras rolling and ambition sky-high, remains to be seen.

Also on the radar are Wales international Charlie Savage, currently on Reading’s books, and Lewis O’Brien, who is owned by Nottingham Forest. Both would bring a mix of youth, energy and Championship readiness—fitting nicely into the club’s medium-term plans.

A Hollywood Vision—But Is It Sustainable?

Reynolds and McElhenney have made it clear from the beginning: Wrexham is not just a football club, it’s a platform. A platform for storytelling, for community, for growth—and yes, for success on the pitch. But with success comes scrutiny.

Wrexham’s wage bill is already punching above its weight, and moving into the Championship won’t come cheap. Clubs at this level often walk a financial tightrope. Just look at Reading and Derby in recent years—both paid the price for overreaching.

To their credit, Wrexham’s owners haven’t shied away from seeking new investment. They’ve openly left the door ajar for fresh backers to join the project, knowing full well that reaching the Premier League will require deeper pockets. Tom Brady’s involvement at Birmingham City shows that celebrity owners can go beyond PR and make a tangible impact. But the football pyramid remains unforgiving to those who spend without structure.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be pivotal. With the transfer window fast approaching, Wrexham must decide how bold they’re willing to be. Cairney’s signature would be a coup, but if it comes at the cost of harmony within the squad, the long-term gains could quickly unravel.

Then there’s the question of squad depth. Championship seasons are long, grueling campaigns. Injuries pile up. Momentum shifts. It’s not just about marquee signings—it’s about building a robust, balanced team that can weather the grind.

That means decisions have to be made not just with the headlines in mind, but the training ground. The 18th man is just as vital as the one grabbing front-page attention.

A Club at a Crossroads

Wrexham are no longer a feel-good side story. They’re a legitimate Championship club with a global audience and lofty ambitions. But with that status comes responsibility.

The temptation to chase big names with big paychecks is real, but as Don Goodman warned, money doesn’t always buy success—or unity. If Reynolds and McElhenney can strike the right balance between ambition and realism, this fairytale still has chapters to be written.

But make no mistake: the road to the Premier League is littered with clubs who flew too close to the sun. Wrexham’s next few moves will define whether their Hollywood story ends in triumph—or becomes a cautionary tale.