Wrexham ‘aim to beat top flight club to transfer’ as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney eye statement signing
Wrexham AFC are reportedly preparing to battle a top-tier club in the race to sign Ukrainian international Maksym Talovierov, as the club gears up for its highly anticipated return to the Championship—their first time back in England’s second division since the 1981/82 season.
The north Wales club, famously owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is expected to make a bold statement in the transfer market this summer. With financial backing from their star-studded ownership group and momentum from back-to-back promotions, Wrexham are determined to build a squad capable of competing in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.
According to Ukrainian outlet Sport.ua, Wrexham have identified 24-year-old defender Maksym Talovierov as a potential summer target. The centre-back, who currently plays for Plymouth Argyle, is reportedly considering his options following the club’s relegation from the Championship. Talovierov’s contract is believed to include a clause allowing him to leave should Plymouth drop down to League One, which could pave the way for a move.
However, Wrexham are not alone in their interest. Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor and Championship rivals Derby County are also said to be monitoring the situation closely. Talovierov’s international experience and defensive prowess have attracted attention across Europe, making him a highly sought-after asset this summer.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has already acknowledged the scale of the challenge that awaits his side in the Championship next season. After sealing promotion with a dramatic win over Charlton Athletic, Parkinson emphasized the need to strengthen and prepare thoroughly for a significant step up in quality.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge,” Parkinson told the BBC. “We’re stepping into a division full of big clubs with strong histories and deep squads. We’ll need to work smart in the transfer market to give ourselves the best chance of being competitive.”
Parkinson reassured fans that the club’s recruitment strategy would be carefully planned and executed, adding that they would take a short break to evaluate their priorities before diving into transfer business.
“We’ll take a week or two to take stock of everything, have a good look at the market out there and what we need to do,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”
When asked whether Wrexham could continue their meteoric rise and mount a challenge for Premier League promotion, Parkinson gave a cautious but optimistic response.
“I’ll answer that question come August, once the summer transfer window is closed and we know exactly what kind of squad we’ve assembled,” he replied.
Parkinson also highlighted the importance of timing in recruitment, explaining that early speculation could disrupt team chemistry during the run-in.
“We haven’t spoken about recruitment in detail yet,” he explained. “Agents have been calling constantly, but we’ve made it clear we didn’t want to talk about any of that until the end of the season. Talking to players too early can unsettle the dressing room, and we didn’t want that.”
Now, with promotion secured and the Championship challenge ahead, Wrexham are poised to make some ambitious moves. A potential signing like Talovierov would represent more than just squad depth—it would be a clear signal of intent from a club that refuses to slow down. With Reynolds and McElhenney continuing to raise the profile of Wrexham on the global stage, the summer ahead promises to be one of the most exciting in the club’s modern history.