Wrexham AFC, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is reportedly setting its sights on Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie. This ambitious move could break the club’s transfer record as they prepare for a significant January transfer window.
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Wrexham’s Interest in Hardie
Hardie, a 27-year-old Scottish striker, has been a standout performer for Plymouth Argyle since joining in 2020. Over the past three years, he has scored 64 goals in 230 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Plymouth’s ascent from League Two to the Championship. Despite Plymouth’s struggles this season—currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship—Hardie’s potential remains evident.
Reports suggest Wrexham is prepared to offer £2 million for Hardie, a sum significantly higher than their previous record signing of Mo Faal, who joined from West Brom for £590,000.
Competition from Huddersfield Town
Wrexham is not alone in its pursuit of Hardie. League One rivals Huddersfield Town have also expressed interest in the striker, setting the stage for a competitive bidding war.
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Hardie’s current season has been less productive, with only one goal scored so far. However, Wrexham sees his proven track record as a valuable asset to bolster their promotion hopes.
Struggles in Wrexham’s Attack
Phil Parkinson’s team currently sits third in League One, but their attacking lineup has faced significant challenges this season.
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- Jack Marriott, the team’s top-scoring striker with five goals, has been sidelined since October due to a broken leg.
- Paul Mullin, recovering from back surgery, has only managed two league goals.
- Ollie Palmer has contributed three goals, but the team needs more firepower to maintain their promotion push.
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher has stepped in to deliver crucial goals, but his game time is limited due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Mo Faal has struggled for minutes and missed the recent loss to Barnsley due to illness.
Financial Backing from Hollywood Owners
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been instrumental in Wrexham’s resurgence, both on and off the pitch. Their investment has enabled the club to target high-profile signings like Hardie, signaling their intent to secure a third successive promotion.
Wrexham director Shaun Harvey confirmed earlier this month that funds would be made available to manager Phil Parkinson for the January transfer window, emphasizing the owners’ commitment to strengthening the squad.
A Potential Turning Point
If successful, the acquisition of Ryan Hardie would mark a significant milestone for Wrexham, showcasing their ability to compete financially with more established clubs. More importantly, it could provide the much-needed boost to their attacking lineup as they aim to secure promotion to the Championship.
The coming weeks will be critical as Wrexham negotiates this potential transfer while facing competition from Huddersfield Town. For fans, the prospect of landing a proven striker like Hardie adds excitement to an already dramatic season.
As the January transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Wrexham’s moves, with the club poised to take another significant step in its journey under the stewardship of its Hollywood owners.