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Wrexham’s meteoric rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac has seen the club make headlines around the world, and they are now tipped to chase the greatest icons in football history.
Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis believes the North Wales side have the unique drawing power needed to lure the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to the racecourse.
The Hollywood revolution continues
Since the high-profile takeover by Reynolds and Mac in February 2021, Wrexham have gone from a struggling National League team to a global phenomenon. On the field, success was as rapid as commercial growth, with Phil Parkinson leading the Reds to a historic run of three successive promotions.
The club’s most recent campaign saw them finish seventh in the Championship, narrowly missing out on a play-off place by just two points. As they prepare for a future assault on the Premier League, speculation is beginning to mount over which world-class talents could be recruited to lead their top-flight ambitions.
Chasing the impossible dream
While the idea of signing multiple Ballon d’Or winners may seem like a fantasy to most clubs outside of Europe’s elite or the Saudi Pro League, Pulis insists Wrexham should set no limits to their ambition. The Welsh manager believes the combination of the charisma of the owners and the growing stature of the club makes anything possible.
Discussing who the club should target next, Pulis told BOYLE Sports, which offers the latest football odds: “Wrexham’s next big signing? Cristiano, Messi, Neymar – why not? It’s a wonderful place, Wales. Especially North Wales. A beautiful country.”
Selling North Wales charm
Beyond the Hollywood duo’s financial backing and lucrative sponsorship deals, Pulis believes Wales’ natural beauty and culture is a unique selling point that could attract global superstars. Even with the trio of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar currently playing in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Brazil, Pulis says Welsh hospitality is unrivaled.
“Just tell them the sun never stops shining and the food is absolutely fantastic,” Pulis joked. “Even if the weather is wet, you won’t find a warmer group of people than the Welsh anywhere else in the world. That’s your real selling point for bringing a superstar to Wrexham.”
Premier League planning
The Red Dragons’ objective remains clear: to secure a place in the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history in the 2026-27 season. Parkinson said he is happy with his current squad, which includes five players who have featured in all three promotion campaigns, but admits improvements will be needed to reach the next level.
It remains to be seen whether Reynolds and McElhenney can actually pull off a move for one of the game’s ‘Big Three’, but the club’s trajectory suggests few would bet against them.
