Hours After $320,000 Splurge, Ryan Reynolds Makes Revolutionizing Change in Wrexham Ownership as They End 15-Year Hiatus

The 15-year wait for Wrexham AFC is finally over. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ club is returning to EFL. The Red Dragons will play MK Dons on Saturday in League Two season opener. However, the Reds will be without their talisman Paul Mullin for a few games after he punctured the lungs in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood duo made a significant change in the club’s ownership ahead of the new season. Are you worried whether Reynolds and McElhenney won’t be there? No need to worry. The A-listers aren’t going anywhere. But what’s the change?

Wrexham AFC’s ownership transferred to a new company

Hours before the crucial MK Dons tie, the world’s third-oldest club released a compelling statement regarding ownership. When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney got 98.6% backing from Wrexham Supporter’s Trust, previous owners, and members for a takeover. The Hollywood stars created RR McReynolds Company LLC for the takeover.

Reynolds and McElhenney invested $2.5 million through California-based RR McReynolds Company for a complete takeover of the Wrexham AFC Limited. Reynolds and McElhenney equally own the company. However, now the shareholdings of the RR McReynolds Company LLC are transferred to Wrexham Holdings LLC as per the club’s statement.

Wrexham Holdings LLC is 100% owned by The RR McReynolds Company LLC. On this basis, the A-listers remain the ultimate owners of the club. Nevertheless, this simple change suggests a larger plan in action. The Hollywood duo may be looking for added investment and a change in the name hints at the possibility of adding future investors. The change came just ahead of the club ending its 15-year exile from EFL. The last time the world’s third-oldest club played in EFL was in 2008, in League Two. 

READ MORE: “There’ll Be a Worldwide Audience” – Ahead of Locking Horns With Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham, Rival Coach Believes the Matchup Will Be Box Office

Wrexham will play MK Dons in their season opener. The last time these two teams met was on April 8, 2008. Dons ran riot in the League Two encounter, beating the Red Dragons 4-1. Earlier in that season, the Reds emerged 1-0 victorious. Dons have the upper hand with four wins, while the Reds won only one in the last six games. It will be interesting to see how Wrexham responds to their poor record against Saturday’s opponents.

However, the Reds’ new signing won’t participate in the crucial game.

The Reds reportedly splurge $320,000 on a new signing

Hours before announcing the ownership change, Ryan Reynolds’ club made a massive scoop. The Red Dragons signed Ireland international James McClean from Wigan Athletic for $320,000. McClean isn’t eligible to play against MK Dons but could face his former team Wigan in the first round of the Carabao Cup next week.

The 34-year-old signed a year’s deal with an option to extend for another. McClean’s experience in top leagues and on the international stage will come in handy for the club in League Two and other competitions. It can also be seen as a statement signing, as Super Paul Mullin will miss a few games early this season.

WATCH THIS STORY: Wrexham Owners Net Worth Comparison

Let us know your predictions for the Red Dragons this season.