Could a major transfer be on the horizon for Wrexham? Ryan Reynolds’ club is reportedly eyeing a significant £7.5m move for Southampton’s Will Smallbone. With the transfer window heating up and Wrexham pushing for a late addition, will this highly anticipated deal bolster their midfield and ignite their season?
Wrexham AFC, under the high-profile ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is reportedly on the verge of a significant acquisition, with Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone emerging as a prime target. This potential £7.5 million transfer arrives as the summer window draws to a close, promising to add considerable depth and talent to the Red Dragons’ squad. The move is intricately linked to Southampton’s impending deal for Finn Azaz, which could pave the way for Smallbone’s departure.
Manager Phil Parkinson’s assertive push for this late addition underscores his strategic vision for Wrexham, despite having already welcomed ten new players since the club’s promotion to EFL League One was secured in April. The North Wales side has endured a challenging start to their new campaign, having only secured a single point from their initial three league fixtures, highlighting an urgent need for midfield reinforcement.
The prospects of the 25-year-old Smallbone joining Wrexham have received a substantial boost, largely due to Southampton’s advanced negotiations to secure Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough. This development suggests a shift in Southampton’s midfield dynamics, potentially making Smallbone, an international colleague of Azaz, surplus to requirements at St Mary’s.
Smallbone has found himself out of favour at Southampton, failing to feature under manager Russell Martin this season after sustaining a calf injury during pre-season preparations. Despite his current predicament, his history with the Saints is noteworthy, having made 90 senior appearances and scoring nine goals since his debut in 2020, a testament to his journey through the club’s esteemed academy.
Last term, Smallbone was a key figure in Southampton’s Championship campaign, featuring in 18 matches and netting once at Ewood Park, even as the Saints faced relegation from the Premier League. His experience in securing promotion from the Championship is particularly valuable, having played a pivotal role under Russell Martin when Southampton achieved this feat via the play-offs in May 2024, contributing seven goals and four assists.
Wrexham’s management is reportedly keen to receive a definitive answer regarding the transfer by the end of the current week, indicating the club’s determination to finalize their squad ahead of the looming deadline. Parkinson’s proactive approach to bolstering his midfield is well-documented, with the manager having been linked to several other prominent targets in that department, including George Evans and West Ham’s Andy Irving, before focusing intently on Smallbone.
Despite the considerable financial outlay this summer, manager Phil Parkinson maintains that the club’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have not imposed any unrealistic targets. He asserts that their primary focus remains on supporting the team’s development and building a competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level of EFL League One, aligning with their public ambition for sustained success.
The global appeal of Wrexham AFC has been significantly amplified by the critically acclaimed documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which is set to return for its fourth season on Disney+. This popular series provides fans with an intimate look into the club’s journey and the ownership’s vision, further intertwining the club’s footballing aspirations with its celebrity backing. Fans can continue to follow the Red Dragons’ story through various streaming options.
