Wrexham’s £30m summer spree breaks records – but Ryan Reynolds still faces three headaches

Wrexham have spent more than GBP30m on new signings this summer as they aim to establish themselves in the Championship, but there are still some issues that need to be addressed

16:55, 02 Sep 2025

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have spent big this summer, but still have issues to fix(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)

Wrexham have splurged over GBP30 million on fresh talent this summer as they strive to make an impact in the Championship[1].

The Red Dragons' meteoric rise through the football pyramid under the stewardship of Ryan Reynolds[2] and Rob Mac[3] has seen them leap from the National League to the second tier remarkably quickly. Despite often outspending competitors on their way up, the North Wales club's transfer expenditure has remained relatively low-key until recently.

Prior to last summer, Wrexham's record fee was the GBP300,000 shelled out for striker Ollie Palmer from AFC Wimbledon in January 2022. The seven-figure threshold was only breached for the first time this year when approximately GBP2m was spent on Reading forward Sam Smith in January[4].

However, following their promotion from League One in April[5], the club's spending has significantly escalated in recent months.

In August, Wrexham[6] smashed their transfer record by acquiring Ipswich and Wales forward Nathan Broadhead for an initial GBP7.5m[7], a figure that could potentially rise to GBP10m with add-ons.

Other notable newcomers include Manchester City academy graduate Callum Doyle, who was signed in a deal worth up to GBP7.5m. On deadline day[8], Coventry City midfielder Ben Sheaf was also snapped up for GBP6.5m[9].

It is estimated that Wrexham's total expenditure during the transfer window reached around GBP33m after manager Phil Parkinson added 13 new players to the squad.

The Hollywood-backed club's summer dealings have been largely applauded by fans, but with a modest return four points from their first four league matches, there's certainly scope for improvement.

Here, WalesOnline[10] examines the key challenges Wrexham must overcome in their pursuit of further success.

More support required for Moore

Kieffer Moore's performances have been an early-season highlight for Wrexham(Image: Adam Fradgley/West Brom via Getty)

One player who has made an immediate impact at Wrexham is Welsh international striker Kieffer Moore[11]. The 33-year-old was signed from fellow Championship side Sheffield United for GBP2m[12] at the beginning of August.

Moore has already netted four times in five outings for Parkinson's team, including the initial goal in Saturday's maiden league victory of the season at Millwall. The only issue is the lack of similar options up front, especially following Ollie Palmer's recent move to Swindon Town[13].

Wrexham have already experienced one fright after Moore sustained an ankle injury in their season opener at Southampton[14].

Luckily, he recovered swiftly, but they may not always be so lucky.

Parkinson does have a lot of attacking choices, but most lack the physical presence that Moore provides and is vital for the manager's favoured 3-5-2 setup to function effectively. Whether Wrexham will rue their failure to secure a back-up with similar qualities remains to be seen.

Injury to seasoned goalkeeper presents challenge

Wales international Danny Ward was injured while playing for Wrexham against Millwall(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Wrexham secured their first Championship triumph with a 2-0 victory against Millwall on Saturday. However, the result was marred by a troubling injury to shot-stopper Danny Ward.

Anxiety filled The Den as the former Leicester[15] custodian was carried from the field on a stretcher during added time after an aerial clash.

Parkinson subsequently revealed that the Wales international had lost consciousness and also sustained an elbow problem.

The boss acknowledged following the encounter that he was "fearing the worst" after Ward's collision. The keeper was later photographed purchasing a McDonald's at a motorway services in Buckinghamshire with his left arm secured in a sling after being recognised by a supporter travelling back to North Wales.

Most fans would contend that they possess more than sufficient cover in former Arsenal[16] goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and ex-Plymouth keeper Callum Burton. Nevertheless, both lack Championship pedigree and Wrexham's goalkeeping injury concerns from previous seasons made it surprising to witness them failing to recruit additional back-up on transfer deadline day.

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Extensive squad may create unrest

The number of fresh signings at Wrexham could potentially present difficulties when Parkinson announces his 25-man squad list, as required by EFL regulations, later this week.

The Red Dragons have enjoyed some progress in offloading players this summer, though without generating substantial transfer fees.

The departures include Tom O'Connor and Jacob Mendy, who both secured loan moves to Peterborough United on deadline day, whilst George Evans joined Burton Albion following the termination of his contract. However, Wrexham continue to exceed the 25-player threshold with their current numbers.

With 29 players aged 21 or above on their books, four players will inevitably face exclusion when the official squad list is announced. The predicament has prompted concerns that it could cause discontent within the dressing room[20], with warnings coming from former Wales and Burnley striker Sam Vokes.

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During a recent appearance on the BBC's Feast of Football podcast, he said: "Does he [Parkinson] want more players, or more headaches?

I saw that comment [on wanting more signings] and I don't know where he can fit them into the squad. I understand there's a bit of frustration there, but there is a real fine balance of having too many and having an unhappy camp."

References

1. ^ Championship (www.walesonline.co.uk)
2. ^ Ryan Reynolds (www.walesonline.co.uk)
3. ^ Rob Mac (www.walesonline.co.uk)
4. ^ pproximately GBP2m was spent on Reading forward Sam Smith in January (www.walesonline.co.uk)
5. ^ promotion from League One in April (www.walesonline.co.uk)
6. ^ Wrexham (www.walesonline.co.uk)
7. ^ acquiring Ipswich and Wales forward Nathan Broadhead for an initial GBP7.5m (www.walesonline.co.uk)
8. ^ signed in a deal worth up to GBP7.5m.

   On deadline day (www.walesonline.co.uk)

9. ^ Ben Sheaf was also snapped up for GBP6.5m (www.walesonline.co.uk)
10. ^ WalesOnline (www.walesonline.co.uk)
11. ^ Kieffer Moore (www.walesonline.co.uk)
12. ^ signed from fellow Championship side Sheffield United for GBP2m (www.walesonline.co.uk)
13. ^ Ollie Palmer's recent move to Swindon Town (www.walesonline.co.uk)
14. ^ Moore sustained an ankle injury in their season opener at Southampton (www.walesonline.co.uk)
15. ^ Leicester (www.walesonline.co.uk)
16. ^ Arsenal (www.walesonline.co.uk)
17. ^ Learn more (www.walesonline.co.uk)
18. ^ Get Disney+ here (go.skimresources.com)
19. ^ 12 months for the price of 10 (go.skimresources.com)
20. ^ prompted concerns that it could cause discontent within the dressing room (www.walesonline.co.uk)