Wrexham net seven-figure financial boost as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds prepare to break transfer record.

Wrexham are close to making their second signing of the 2025 winter transfer window for a club record price.

The Red Dragons’ January transfer window hasn’t gone as planned, with their top-two ambitions dwindling in recent weeks due to a lack of development.

Ryan Longman, who joined Wrexham last week, was given the number 47 shirt and made his debut as a substitute against Stevenage.

However, the priority position remained a concern, with no new number nine signings despite Phil Parkinson’s obvious need for attacking reinforcements.

Wrexham are expected to shatter their transfer record by signing Sam Smith, resolving the issue.

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds earn £3 million for Wrexham as Sam Smith deal nears.

Since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds assumed leadership in 2021, the Welsh club has exceeded their transfer record many times, notably twice in 2024.

Wrexham bought Ollie Rathbone from Rotherham United in August, followed by Modou Faal for £590,000 a few weeks later.

Now fighting at the top of League One, the financial stakes are considerably higher, but the Red Dragons are finally rising to the task and matching the likes of Huddersfield Town.

The sum for Smith is estimated to be about £2 million, roughly four times what they spent for Faal.

Now, financial expert Kieran Maguire has revealed how the acquisition may be paid, stating on X/Twitter that Wrexham has raised little over £3 million by issuing a single share.

Wrexham’s January expenditure compared to their League One opponents

While McElhenney and Reynolds have previously received criticism from opposing supporters for their spending, they are now in League One and fighting against teams who appear to have considerably larger wallets.

Wrexham signed eight new players this summer, all of them were free agents with six-figure contracts.

Birmingham City, meanwhile, spent more than £15 million simply to recruit Jay Stansfield, and the third-tier buying spree has continued this month.

Transfermarkt reports that Huddersfield Town spent €4.19 million on five new players.

Wycombe Wanderers are presently the second most spenders, with €1.51 million, while Wrexham are fourth, after Peterborough United, with €590,000 spent for Longman.

A £2 million cost for Smith would, however, make them the second-largest spenders in League One this season.

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