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Wrexham AFC, the ambitious Welsh side owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are reportedly targeting Fulham captain Tom Cairney in what could be one of the summer’s most unexpected moves. After securing a historic promotion to the Championship, the Red Dragons are aiming to build a squad capable of making waves in England’s second tier—and Cairney is reportedly at the top of their wishlist.
Cairney emerges as top target for Wrexham midfield reinforcement
The 34-year-old midfielder, who has spent a decade at Fulham and worn the armband with distinction, is now a free agent after his contract expired in June. While the London club has extended a one-year renewal offer, Wrexham are believed to have presented a more lucrative and compelling package—both in terms of playing time and salary.
Sources suggest that talks between Cairney and Wrexham have already taken place, with manager Phil Parkinson eager to add leadership and Premier League experience to his midfield. The club has already made moves in the market, signing Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie and former Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward, signaling serious intent ahead of the new season.
Louis Saha: "Reynolds' pull may tip the scales"
Former Fulham and Manchester United forward Louis Saha weighed in on the transfer saga, suggesting that Wrexham’s unique ownership model and Hollywood exposure could turn Cairney’s head.
“Players will always consider what benefits their career,” said Saha in a chat with Coin Poker. “For Tom Cairney, he needs guarantees that he'll have playing time, that he's part of a plan.
"Of course, there's another aspect and you need to be convinced that the money is right, and that's important. There's another aspect too, of visibility.
"Wrexham are not a traditionally big club but they're doing amazing things off the pitch, and the two owners are very commercially astute. It's a new way of doing things, and they’re doing them well.”
A sentimental farewell or a bold new chapter?
Cairney, who made 23 Premier League appearances last season and has won two caps for Scotland, hinted at his emotional attachment to Fulham in an interview following a late-season win over Brentford.
“I’ve been through a lot here, through a lot with the fans. It was an incredible moment when I scored,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “It’s a special bond.”
"Nothing is sorted yet. Next week is my final game for Fulham. Hopefully it’s not.”
Despite Fulham’s hopes of retaining their long-serving skipper, Ryan Reynolds and McElhenney’s vision for Wrexham—backed by bold spending and media-savvy growth—could prove irresistible.
Ryan Reynolds promises aggressive transfer approach
Speaking on the RobRyanRed fan podcast, Ryan Reynolds offered a clear statement of intent:
“We're coming to win. I can’t give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that we are going to be as aggressive as we can possibly be while being mindful of sustainability. We have a stadium to revamp, but will still maintain its character and culture.”
As Wrexham continue to reshape their Championship-ready squad, luring a Premier League-caliber leader like Cairney would be a massive statement—not just of footballing ambition, but of the club’s growing power under Hollywood’s brightest spotlight.
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