Wrexham AFC, under the ambitious ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have pulled off one of the most audacious signings of the Championship transfer window, completing the capture of 21-year-old defender Callum Doyle from Manchester City. The deal, worth an initial £7.5 million, marks a major statement of intent from the Hollywood-backed club as they continue their rapid rise through English football.
Wrexham’s statement signing
Callum Doyle, a highly-rated England Under-21 international, joins Wrexham on a four-year contract, becoming the club’s tenth signing of the summer. His arrival pushes the club’s total spending beyond £30 million, reinforcing Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s determination to transform Wrexham into a genuine force in the Championship.
Although Doyle departs Manchester City without making a senior appearance, he brings a wealth of experience from loan spells across League One and the Championship. The defender has already celebrated promotions with Sunderland and Leicester City and came close with Coventry City, where he played a pivotal role in their run to the play-off final.
Doyle excited for new challenge
Speaking to club media after signing, Callum Doyle expressed his excitement about joining the project at Wrexham.
"I’m buzzing to join the club. I’ve been wanting a permanent move for some time now and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been interested in the club from afar and kept a close eye on the journey and now I’m excited to be a part of it," Doyle said.
The deal also includes a buyback clause for Manchester City, along with a 25% sell-on clause, underlining the belief the Premier League champions still hold in Doyle’s potential.
Parkinson welcomes Callum Doyle to Wrexham
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was equally delighted to secure the signing of the young defender.
"We’re delighted to welcome Callum to the club. He’s a talented young player with a lot of Championship experience. We’re looking forward to him joining up with the squad and working with him," Parkinson said.
Wrexham’s ambitious rebuild continues
Backed by the global appeal of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham’s summer spending spree has been one of the most talked-about in English football. High-profile arrivals such as Conor Coady, Lewis O’Brien, Nathan Broadhead, and Liberato Cacace have already highlighted the club’s ambition.
While results in the opening stages of the season have been mixed, the strategy is clear — Wrexham are building a squad capable of not only competing in the Championship but also pushing toward their dream of Premier League football.
The signing of Callum Doyle from Manchester City isn’t just another transfer; it’s a bold declaration that Wrexham are ready to challenge established powers and accelerate their remarkable journey up the English football pyramid.