Why Dele Alli Looks Set to Miss Out on Wrexham Transfer and Ryan Reynolds Link-Up

It seemed like the perfect headline-grabbing story. Dele Alli, once one of the brightest stars in English football, teaming up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham for their first season in the Championship. The idea of the former Tottenham man reviving his career under the Hollywood spotlight captured imaginations across the football world. But as things stand, it looks like this fairytale move will not be happening.

Instead, Wrexham appear set to stick with what they know — and that means putting their faith in last season’s Player of the Year, Ollie Rathbone, once he returns from injury. While Dele continues his search for a new club after leaving Serie A side Como, the Red Dragons are turning their focus inward as they adjust to life in the second tier.

Dele Alli’s Journey to This Point

It’s been a tough few years for Dele. Once a fan favourite at Spurs and a regular England international, the 29-year-old’s career has been on a downward slide since leaving North London. A spell at Everton never quite worked out, and a loan move to Besiktas was cut short. Como offered him a fresh start in Serie A, but after limited appearances, his contract was terminated by mutual consent earlier this summer.

That has left Dele as a free agent once again, searching for the right environment to rebuild his career. His name has been linked with a number of Championship clubs, including Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. And then came the romantic notion of a move to Wrexham — a club that has become synonymous with heartwarming stories, celebrity ownership, and unexpected triumphs.

For a brief moment, it looked plausible. Wrexham have the resources, the ambition, and the global reach to make a move for a player of Dele’s profile. And for Dele, it would have been a chance to play regular football in a competitive league while enjoying the kind of attention and narrative that might inspire a resurgence.

Why the Wrexham Transfer Won’t Happen

Ollie Rathbone Wrexham 2024-25

However, manager Phil Parkinson has poured cold water on the speculation. Speaking to the press, Parkinson was quick to stress the importance of Rathbone’s return and how that will effectively fill the final available squad spot.

“I think Ollie is closing in,” Parkinson said, sounding quietly optimistic. “I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training, and the signs are looking positive. He’ll be back in a couple of weeks. We need Ollie back — he’s a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year.”

That last point cannot be overstated. Rathbone was one of the driving forces behind Wrexham’s promotion push, and his energy in midfield became a hallmark of their play. With the club now facing the challenge of staying competitive in the Championship, Parkinson clearly believes that bringing Rathbone back into the fold is a safer bet than rolling the dice on Dele.

The Importance of Ollie Rathbone

Rathbone’s value to Wrexham goes beyond statistics. As Parkinson pointed out, the midfielder has proven experience at this level from his time with Rotherham United. “He’s a player who has played in the Championship,” the manager said. “His first year went well, second was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad. But he’s played at this level, and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.”

That hunger and familiarity could be vital for Wrexham, a club still adjusting to the demands of the league. While Dele would have brought glamour and experience, he would also have been a gamble — both in terms of form and fitness. Rathbone, by contrast, offers continuity and a proven work rate.

Parkinson made it clear that Rathbone’s recovery is progressing well. “His start to the season has been curtailed,” he admitted, “but obviously he’s a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better. His energy and his quality — I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us.”

What’s Next for Dele Alli?

Wrexham v Hull City – Carabao Cup First Round Dele

For Dele, the search continues. Birmingham City and West Brom remain in the conversation, but as the season moves on, opportunities are starting to narrow. Clubs are finalising their squads, and with each passing week, the need for immediate impact grows.

That doesn’t mean there’s no way back for him. If Dele can find the right environment — somewhere that trusts him, gives him minutes, and helps rebuild his confidence — he still has the talent to play at a high level. But time is becoming a factor.

Wrexham’s Focus Turns to the Championship

As for Wrexham, their attention is firmly fixed on life in the Championship and ensuring they make a smooth transition. The club’s Hollywood owners may have raised expectations, but Parkinson has remained grounded, focusing on building a squad that can compete week in, week out.

The return of Ollie Rathbone is central to that plan. It may not be the glamorous signing that grabs headlines worldwide, but it could be the most important “addition” of their season. Rathbone’s pressing, tackling, and relentless running will help Wrexham stay organised in midfield — something they will need as they face some of the strongest sides in English football.

The Bottom Line

Dele Alli missing out on a Wrexham transfer might disappoint fans who wanted to see another fairytale story unfold under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s watch. But for Wrexham, this decision makes sense. Stability, squad balance, and trusting the players who got them this far seem to be the priority — and Rathbone’s return ticks all those boxes.

For Dele, the hunt for a new club goes on, and football romantics will hope he finds somewhere to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s brightest young stars. Whether that happens in the Championship remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next move could define the rest of his career.