Premier League champion's transfer message to Ryan Reynolds leaves Wrexham in no doubt
A Premier League veteran who is due to become a free agent at the end of June has admitted he would be interested in talking to newly-promoted Wrexham about a potential move
Former Premier League champion Asmir Begovic has made an appeal to Wrexham as they gear up for Championship football.
Since being bought by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021, the Welsh outfit have enjoyed a rapid rise from the National League to the second tier, with three consecutive promotions. As the Hollywood duo inch closer to realising their ambition of lifting Wrexham into the Premier League, there's been speculation about several high-profile signings this summer.
Notable names like Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, Tottenham and Wales defender Ben Davies, and Fulham skipper Tom Cairney have all been touted as potential arrivals at the Racecourse Ground, with West Ham's Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell also in the mix.
Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Begovic has now thrown his hat into the ring to join Wrexham ahead of their first stint in the Championship in 43 years. The 38-year-old, who clinched the title with Chelsea in 2017, is on the cusp of becoming a free agent as his Everton contract ends later this month, with an extension ruled out by the Merseyside club.
The experienced Bosnian keeper expressed his willingness to join the Red Dragons in their quest for further glory. "Wrexham is a really interesting project, both on the pitch and everything that comes with it," he told Fruity King. "I like working with good people and having watched the documentary, the owners seem like amazing guys.
"That is the sort of club I'd love to work with and the idea of Wrexham really interests me. If it's the right situation for everyone then who knows, it's an exciting project."
Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront.
Wrexham already have a solid first-choice goalkeeper in Arthur Okonkwo, an Arsenal academy product. But Begovic's wealth of experience could be invaluable, following an impressive tally of 256 Premier League games across spells at clubs like Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Everton.
He also clocked up substantial game time with Queens Park Rangers in the Championship during the 2023/24 season, appearing 46 times for the west London side in various competitions. Reflecting on his departure from his second stretch at Everton, Begovic conceded that discussions were brief.
"They wanted to change direction a bit and bring in new blood," he told The Athletic. "For me, it was easy. No hard feelings. You respect the decision. We gave it everything and shook hands, having done our job. That's what makes it something you look back on with some fondness."
Meanwhile, Wrexham star Paul Mullin's loan move to Wigan was confirmed on Monday. Since signing in July 2021, the 30-year-old has become pivotal for the team, netting 110 goals.
However, his standing took a hit under Phil Parkinson during the latter half of last season due to a dip in form in League One. Mullin found himself sidelined from the team, making only a single appearance after the January transfer window, as Parkinson brought on board Reading forward Sam Smith and Burnley's Jay Rodriguez.
In a recent interview featured in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary on Disney+, Mullin expressed his disappointment over the manager's decision. The Liverpudlian is now set to join Wigan in the third tier, aiming to rejuvenate his career following back surgery last summer.