Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are being tipped to spend again at Wrexham, with Tony Pulis making a January transfer prediction. He expects further reinforcements to be sought in the next window, but has warned the Red Dragons – who are taking aim at a place in the Premier League – not to “anticipate a top-six finish or immediate promotion” out of the Championship.
Meteoric rise: Wrexham have rewritten the EFL history books
The Welsh outfit have, under the guidance of their Hollywood co-owners, enjoyed a meteoric rise. The history books have been rewritten after becoming the first EFL club to secure three successive promotions. Having clambered out of the National League in record-breaking style, Wrexham now find themselves in the Championship.
Such rapid progress was always going to be difficult to maintain, with many of the opinion that a few seasons of consolidation for the Red Dragons would be no bad thing. They may have to accept that fate in 2025-26 after enduring a few stumbles out of the starting gate.
Reynolds and Mac have, however, made no secret of the fact that they want to bring top-flight football to North Wales. They helped to fund an elaborate £30 million-plus ($40m) spending spree over the summer, with Premier League pedigree being sought.
Not all of those deals, which saw more records being set at the Racecourse Ground, have provided value for money just yet. With that in mind, it is being suggested that Wrexham may be tempted to dip into the January market for even greater squad depth.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALWill Reynolds & Mac spend in January? Transfer claim
That is the opinion of former Premier League boss Pulis, with the experienced Welsh tactician telling : “I think if Phil Parkinson was given the opportunity and the chance to bring two or three better players in, or players with more experience and that little bit of quality that you need, he will.
“Wrexham are a very organised, hardworking team. But the further you go up the levels, you need that little bit of quality. You need that little bit of difference in both boxes as much as anything else. You need someone who's going to score you a goal when it's a tight game for you to win the game, or you've got a goalkeeper who makes a fabulous save that saves you the points that you had in the bag anyway.”
Former Wrexham striker Matt Jansen told GOAL recently when asked if he can see Reynolds and Mac whipping the chequebook out again early in 2026: “If they spend again, it will depend on where they are in the league. If they are in and around the play-offs… If they are mid-table or anywhere where they can’t get to the play-offs, I think they will bide their time before they go again in the summer. It will all depend on where they are in the league.”
Fourth successive promotion: Doubts cast over chances
Pulis is not convinced that Wrexham will be in the promotion picture this time around, with Parkinson being urged to help rein in expectations after facing some uncomfortable questions of his position in the dugout.
Pulis added: “The Championship has seen many clubs from the Premier League drop down and stay there. This is a league brimming with quality. Every team in the Championship possesses the ability to challenge any opposition.
“Phil Parkinson knows and understands this league, having played in it himself. I don't believe he would have approached it with the expectation of a top-six finish in the first season. The important thing for Wrexham is to settle in, aiming for a mid-table position, perhaps just below the playoffs. If they achieve that, I consider it a success for both Wrexham and for Phil.
“I don't think supporters should anticipate a top-six finish or immediate promotion. Promotion would be absolutely fantastic for a Welsh team but it's crucial to manage supporter expectations. No matter how much you give them, they will always want a little bit more. So, managing this aspect of the football club is essential today.”
Getty Images SportWrexham fixtures: Next up for the Red Dragons
Wrexham suffered a 1-0 defeat at Stoke when returning to action after the October international break. That was their first loss in six across all competitions, but they are also without a win in four heading into a home date with Oxford United on Wednesday.