Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham land another Premier League-quality player

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham are living the dream. After three consecutive promotions, the Red Dragons are set to face their biggest challenge yet in the EFL Championship, and they’ve just added another Premier League-caliber player to their squad.

Wrexham fans have been living a real-life fairytale since the Hollywood duo took over, with the club becoming the first in English soccer history to secure three straight promotions across the top five tiers. Now set to compete in the second division for the first time in 43 years, the club is investing heavily to keep the momentum going.

On Friday, Wrexham confirmed the signing of veteran defender Conor Coady from Leicester City. The Foxes were relegated from the Premier League last season and agreed to part ways with the center-back for a reported fee of around $2.6 million, according to ESPN.

A product of Liverpool’s academy, Coady played a pivotal role in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ rise to the Premier League, eventually captaining the team and earning a call-up to the England national team under Gareth Southgate. He has 10 senior caps and was part of the Three Lions’ squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Reflecting on the move, Coady didn’t hide his excitement. “I’m over the moon. It’s a special day, I’ll be honest. We’ve all seen what the club has done over the past few years and for me to join is really special and I can’t wait to meet the boys and get started,” said to Wrexham’s official website.

Wrexham betting big on a Premier League dream

Back in 2023, following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup, Reynolds made headlines with a bold claim to the Daily Mail: “In 10 years’ time, the plan is Premier League. Why not? No one has ever done anything great in this world thinking, ‘let’s go halfway.’” Now, Wrexham are just one step away from making that audacious dream a reality.

Determined to climb even higher, Wrexham have made major moves in the transfer market. In addition to signing Jay Rodriguez in January 2025, the club brought in Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien for €3.47 million and Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward on a free transfer.

So far this summer, Wrexham have made eight signings and spent approximately €10.5 million, including €2.5 million for Liberato Cacace and €1.4 million for George Thomason. With that level of investment, the Red Dragons rank among the Championship’s top spenders and look poised to be serious contenders in the race for Premier League promotion.