Preparations for the 2024/25 campaign are in full swing for Wrexham AFC. Having achieved promotion to League One, they are gearing up for a challenging season. However, even before the contest on the field starts, the off-pitch battle among third-tier teams seems to have begun. Ryan Reynolds and Co. are reportedly facing stiff competition in their pursuit of EFL star Wil Ferry against three of their future League One rivals.

The Irish midfielder, valued at €325,000 ($353,000), is one of the most sought-after free players on the market as his contract with Cheltenham Town is set to expire next month. As per the reports from X account @efl_hub, joining Wrexham in the race to acquire his services are their soon-to-be domestic rivals, Blackpool, Northampton Town, and Charlton Athletic. Interestingly, the list of Ferry’s admirers doesn’t end here. 

Another League One side, Portsmouth FC, and Wrexham’s former League Two rivals, Stockport County are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old as well. Furthermore, Ferry has also the opportunity to play in the Championship, with Stoke City and Middlesbrough recently being joined by Swansea City to show interest in signing the former Southampton academy star. He has been quite impressive for Cheltenham, making over 46 appearances across all competitions and even notched 2 goals and 4 assists. 

While the Gloucestershire-based club is ready to keep him at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, Ferry may be tempted by other intriguing offers, with Wrexham’s being one of them. Yet, the competition for the former Crawley Town youngster is quite stiff. Hence, it would be interesting to see if Reynolds and Co. will go all-in for Ferry, given that they are also involved in other negotiations as well. 

List of other players that Wrexham AFC is targeting

According to reports, the Hollywood stars backed-club has been in contact with former Wigan Athletic players Stephen Humphrys, Josh Magennis, and Tom Pearce. All three were released by Wigan ahead of the upcoming season. Tom Pearce, a 26-year-old defender, could be a strong addition to Phil Parkinson’s squad, filling the gap left by Ben Tozer, who was released at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Stephen Humphrys could serve as a reliable backup for strikers Paul Mullin and Stephen Fletcher.  The Welsh side has been surprisingly linked with Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy, although that might be a long shot. The squad has already been thin since they released eight players a few days ago. Hence, the National League winners must be recruited if they wish to keep a strong foot in the fresh season.

Let’s see how Ryan Reynolds manages to go head-to-head against rival teams for his preferred players.