Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Seal Landmark Transfer – The Biggest Deal in Wrexham AFC History
WREXHAM, July 24, 2025 – In what is being hailed as a watershed moment for both Wrexham AFC and the wider landscape of lower-league football, Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have officially completed the biggest transfer in the club’s 159-year history. This audacious deal marks a new era for the North Wales side, pushing the boundaries of ambition in League One and sparking renewed global attention on the team that has captured hearts across the world.
The identity of the marquee signing, which had been the subject of feverish speculation in recent weeks, was confirmed today as former Premier League striker Michail Antonio, who joins Wrexham on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract with West Ham United. The Jamaican international, who boasts over 60 goals in England’s top flight, becomes the club’s highest-profile acquisition to date, both in terms of stature and financial commitment.
A Transfer That Changes Everything
The deal, estimated to be worth in the region of £3.5 million in total package costs including wages, signing bonus, and image rights, obliterates Wrexham’s previous transfer records and is widely considered one of the boldest statements of intent by any third-tier club in modern football history.
Reynolds and McElhenney, who purchased Wrexham AFC in late 2020, have continued to exceed expectations with their transformative leadership and marketing acumen. But this latest move signals more than just ambition—it represents a clear challenge to the status quo in English football’s lower leagues.
“This is a historic day for Wrexham,” Reynolds said in a press conference held at the Racecourse Ground. “From the moment Rob and I became stewards of this incredible club, we promised to dream big, but always with purpose. Michail is not just a great player; he’s a leader, a warrior, and someone who believes in what we’re building here.”
A Premier League Talent in League One
Michail Antonio brings with him a wealth of experience that is virtually unmatched in League One. Over his decade-long career at West Ham, the versatile forward became a cult hero, known for his physicality, relentless work ethic, and knack for scoring in critical moments. He also holds the honor of being West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goal scorer.
At 35, some might have expected Antonio to wind down his career in the Middle East or Major League Soccer. Instead, his decision to join Wrexham—a club that only recently earned promotion to League One—is seen as a testament to the vision and professionalism instilled by Reynolds and McElhenney.
“It’s not just about playing football; it’s about being part of something special,” Antonio said in his unveiling. “When Ryan and Rob called me and laid out their vision, I was blown away. I’ve had offers from across the world, but nothing came close to the passion, the ambition, and the sincerity I felt from Wrexham.”
The Deal Behind the Scenes
The transfer was orchestrated over several months, led by Wrexham’s newly-appointed Sporting Director, Shaun Harvey, with close coordination from the club’s ownership. Negotiations included a custom image rights package that will see Antonio appear in upcoming episodes of the hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, which has been renewed for a fourth season by FX and Disney+.
Antonio is also set to collaborate with Reynolds’ Maximum Effort production company and McElhenney’s Mythic Quest team on social media campaigns aimed at growing the club’s global brand.
According to sources close to the deal, Antonio’s contract includes performance-based bonuses for goals, assists, and appearances, along with ambassadorial commitments that will see him involved in coaching and mentoring youth players within the club’s academy.
Reactions from the Football World
The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout English football. Fans, pundits, and players alike have praised Wrexham’s boldness, though some have raised concerns about the growing disparity in financial power within the EFL.
Former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted, “Wrexham signing Antonio is wild. Absolutely love it. These guys are playing career mode in real life and winning.”
Meanwhile, Wrexham fans erupted in celebration across social media and the streets of the Welsh town, which has embraced its Hollywood owners with near-universal affection.
Local supporter Megan Hughes said, “I’ve been a season ticket holder for 20 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. It feels like we’re living in a dream. We’re not just a football club anymore—we’re a global movement.”
Manager’s Vision and Tactical Impact
Phil Parkinson, the man who guided Wrexham to back-to-back promotions, now has one of the most formidable attacking options in League One at his disposal. Antonio is expected to lead the line in a flexible 4-3-3 system, supported by rising stars like Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee, and Jacob Mendy.
Parkinson remained pragmatic about the transfer, acknowledging the pressure that comes with such a high-profile addition.
“Michail is a phenomenal talent, but this is still League One football. We’ll take things one game at a time,” Parkinson said. “He’s come here because he believes in our vision—and we believe he’ll make a massive impact, not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room too.”
Hollywood Meets Humble Roots
The blend of Hollywood flair and grassroots football culture has become a defining feature of the Reynolds-McElhenney era. What initially began as a heartwarming story of celebrity owners investing in a struggling club has now become a formidable footballing project—with real aspirations of reaching the Championship and even beyond.
The club’s global fan base has surged to over 1.5 million across social platforms, and merchandise sales have skyrocketed since the new signing was teased last week with a cryptic post: “A new hero arrives. Buckle up, Wrexham.”
Commercial Boom and Next Steps
The commercial ramifications of the Antonio signing are already being felt. The club shop sold out of the newly-released No. 9 kits within two hours of launch, and traffic to Wrexham’s official website reportedly increased by 400% within 24 hours of the announcement.
Wrexham’s global pre-season tour in the United States this summer, including games in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Austin, is expected to be a sell-out, with Antonio’s inclusion sure to draw even larger crowds.
Reynolds and McElhenney have also hinted at further reinforcements in the coming weeks, with rumors swirling around two midfielders from Spain’s Segunda División and a young goalkeeper from MLS.
A Dream That Won’t Stop
As Wrexham AFC prepares for its League One campaign opener against Bolton Wanderers in August, expectations have never been higher. But for Reynolds and McElhenney, the journey is far from over.
“We’ve said from day one that this club deserves to be at the top,” McElhenney said during the unveiling ceremony. “We’re not just making transfers—we’re making history. This is only the beginning.”
Whether Wrexham will reach the Premier League remains to be seen, but with owners who mix business acumen with genuine passion, a loyal fanbase, and now a marquee signing in Michail Antonio, one thing is certain:
Wrexham is no longer the underdog. It’s a club rewriting the rules of what’s possible.
