Ryan Reynolds' ideal Wrexham starting XI after January transfer window including £3m signing

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the football pyramid in recent years and could be set for more major signings this month

Wrexham supporters have had much to cheer about in the past four years, thanks to the club's takeover by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The Red Dragons, under the guidance of Phil Parkinson, have achieved consecutive promotions in their last two seasons. With substantial financial backing from the actors, the North Wales team currently sits third in League One, eyeing another promotion to the Championship.

Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over in February 2021, Parkinson has been handed a hefty budget in every transfer window. This has enabled him to sign key players like Paul Mullin and ex-Republic of Ireland international James McClean to the Racecourse Ground.

Parkinson has already made one signing in the current window, with more expected before it shuts at 11pm on Monday, February 3. Here, WalesOnline takes a look at what Wrexham's dream XI might look like post-window, including three new additions.

Ryan Longman

One potential inclusion is ex-Hull City player Ryan Longman, who was signed by Wrexham for a reported £500,000 last week. The 24-year-old was the club's first January transfer window acquisition, having already clocked up over 100 Championship appearances in his career, reports the Mirror.

Wrexham successfully outbid Oxford United, a second-tier side, to secure the former Brighton winger until the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option for an additional year. It was rumoured that Parkinson had his eye on him since last summer following his impressive loan spell at Millwall.

Where he will play for Wrexham is yet to be determined, but many fans are speculating that he could replace McClean in the left wing-back position. Longman often played in this position during his early career at Hull.

Sam Smith

Another area where Parkinson is reportedly looking to strengthen is up front. Wrexham striker Paul Mullin has had a challenging start to the season, scoring only four goals in all competitions and frequently being in and out of the squad due to back surgery over the summer.

However, it's the number nine role, currently filled by Ollie Palmer, where Wrexham have been linked with new recruits the most. One potential recruit who fits the bill is Reading's Sam Smith.

The 26-year-old already boasts ten goals in League One this season. According to Transfermarkt, Smith is valued at around £600,000, making him a viable option within Wrexham's budget.

The uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the Royals is also a concern, as expressed in an interview with BBC Radio Berkshire last month, where he stated: "I honestly have no idea. We've seen in the past the decision of some players is taken out of their hands."

"It's obviously difficult, and you don't know what is around the corner. There is people settled here who want to build, but god knows what's going to happen."

Thelo Aasgaard

Wrexham have struggled to replicate their goal-scoring form from League Two and the National League in League One, and a player who could help address this issue is Wigan Athletic's Thelo Aasgaard. The 22-year-old has netted 12 goals in all competitions for the Latics this season, despite the team's own struggles in front of goal.

Aasgaard, a Norway Under-21 international, has been Wigan's standout performer by a significant margin. According to a report by The Sun earlier this month, Stoke City are among the teams monitoring Aasgaard's progress, with a substantial £3m price tag attached to his name.

Acquiring him would require Reynolds and McElhenney to shatter their current record transfer fee of just under £600,000. Additionally, Parkinson would need to make a potentially contentious decision to replace former Luton player Elliott Lee in attacking midfield. Nevertheless, signing Aasgaard would significantly enhance Wrexham's promotion prospects.

Wrexham's dream XI line-up: Okonkwo; Cleworth, Scarr, O'Connor; Barnett, Dobson, Rathbone, Aasgaard, Longman; Smith, Mullin