Liverpool Lose Out on Billionaire’s Investment to Wrexham: How the Allyn Family Chose a Football Fairy Tale

Allyn Family Finalised Investment in Wrexham Last Year After Exploring Liverpool Shares

In the high-stakes world of modern football finance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that investment decisions are purely about returns, valuations, and brand reach. But sometimes, a decision comes down to something a little more old-school—heart, community, and the chance to roll up your sleeves and be part of something real.

That’s exactly what happened when the Allyn family—yes, the same Allyns behind the $2 billion sale of Welch Allyn, the medical technology company—were faced with two very different opportunities: invest in Liverpool Football Club, one of the most globally recognised footballing brands on the planet, or take a chance on Wrexham, a once-forgotten Welsh club that’s found new life thanks to its Hollywood fairytale.

And in a twist that’s raised more than a few eyebrows across the footballing world, the Allyns chose Wrexham.

Liverpool: The Investment That Wasn’t

Let’s start with what could have been. Liverpool, a titan of English football with six European Cups and a rich, passionate fanbase, were among the clubs considered by the Allyn family during their exploration of football investment opportunities.

And why wouldn’t they be? Liverpool is more than just a football club—it’s a global powerhouse with an elite sporting structure, deep-rooted tradition, and a commercial reach that spans continents. For an investor, it ticks all the boxes.

Kaleen Allyn, now a director at Wrexham, spoke candidly about the decision in a recent interview with The Athletic, explaining that the family had indeed looked into Liverpool shares. But as tempting as the numbers might have been, something didn’t quite click.

“Liverpool is an amazing club,” she said. “When we were looking at it, we thought: ‘This could be a great opportunity’. But this isn’t what we want. We want to be true partners and get our hands dirty. Be part of the story.”

In the end, the family decided that being passive shareholders in a global entity wasn’t what they were looking for. What they wanted was to be present, involved, and connected. And that, they found, not in the bright lights of Anfield—but in the community-driven heartbeat of Wrexham.

Why Wrexham? From Underdogs to a Championship-Bound Story

Wrexham earned a third consecutive promotion / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

Wrexham might not have the glitz of Liverpool, but what it does have is a story—and in football, stories matter.

The club’s revival since the 2021 takeover by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has been nothing short of cinematic. A team languishing in the National League is now celebrating its third promotion in as many years, with a well-earned place in the Championship secured after finishing second in League One this season.

Much of the public has followed Wrexham’s transformation through the hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, which has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at the club’s journey, struggles, and deep ties to the local community.

For the Allyn family, that emotional connection proved decisive.

“We want to be part of something meaningful,” Kaleen said. “That’s the biggest honour. To be truly involved, not just in decision-making, but in the day-to-day evolution of a club.”

A Family Affair: Grandpa Bill’s Trip to Wrexham

If you’re looking for the soul of this story, look no further than Grandpa Bill Allyn.

Kaleen shared how she flew her grandfather over to Wrexham to experience the club and the town firsthand. What happened next reads like something out of a feel-good sports film.

“By the time it came to go home, he was almost kicking and screaming because he did not want to leave,” she said. “He said: ‘The community of Wrexham is the closest thing I’ve seen to what we grew up with and what we lost in upstate New York.’”

During his visit, Grandpa Bill attended a match, met the players and coaches, and even had a moment with manager Phil Parkinson—a moment so meaningful that the photo of them together now hangs on his wall back home.

“He doesn’t really give a damn who Ryan Reynolds or Rob McElhenney is,” Kaleen laughed. “But Phil Parkinson? That’s his guy.”

The Appeal of Playing a Role, Not Just Writing a Cheque

One of the major draws for the Allyn family was the ability to play an active role in club management. Unlike at Liverpool, where their potential role would have been limited to that of quiet shareholders, Wrexham offered them something much more hands-on.

This isn’t about celebrity cameos or flashy boardroom meetings. It’s about grassroots involvement—about meeting supporters, understanding the fabric of the town, and helping shape the future of a club that means so much to its people.

That’s not to say the financials don’t matter—of course they do. The club’s rise has opened commercial opportunities, brand partnerships, and media rights that would’ve been unimaginable a few years ago. But it’s clear that for the Allyns, emotional investment came first.

What This Means for Liverpool

For Liverpool, this missed investment opportunity probably won’t move the financial needle. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the club’s owners, continue to explore other sources of minority investment, and there’s little concern that the Reds will struggle to attract big-money partners.

But it’s a reminder that not all billionaires are looking for glitz and glamour. Some are still drawn to the romance of football—the idea of building something special from the ground up, not just expanding a portfolio.

The Bigger Picture: Football’s Changing Investment Landscape

This story also reflects a broader shift in how wealthy families and individuals are approaching football investment. No longer is it just about brand value or trophy cabinets. Community engagement, authenticity, and storytelling now play a much bigger role.

Wrexham, with its charming underdog narrative and authentic fan base, offers something truly unique in today’s game—a living, breathing reminder of why so many people fell in love with football in the first place.

And for investors like the Allyns, that’s worth more than any spreadsheet can calculate.

Conclusion: Wrexham Wins More Than Just Promotion

While Liverpool might have lost out on the Allyn family’s backing, Wrexham gained something far more valuable than just money. They welcomed true believers—people who want to be part of the journey, not just watch it unfold from a luxury box.

As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, their story continues to inspire. It’s a tale of ambition, community, and a reminder that even in an era of billion-pound takeovers and global brands, there’s still room in football for heart.