Wrexham tipped to make Champions League winner their first ‘Hollywood’ signing

Wrexham are being tipped to make Manchester City’s Jack Grealish their first “Hollywood” signing if they earn promotion to the Premier League at the end of this season.

The Welsh club, whose profile has soared internationally in recent years after being taken over by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are in the hunt for a promotion playoff place in the English Championship, which they will reach if they finish between third and sixth.

At present, Wrexham are in seventh place in the standings with seven games remaining, although they are behind sixth-placed Southampton on goal difference only. There is therefore every chance they could sneak into the playoff positions, while it is not completely out of the question that they could catch Middlesbrough, who are eight points ahead in the second and final automatic promotion spot.

‘Hollywood’ ambition building

Jay Rodriguez, who played 10 seasons in the Premier League and earned one England cap in 2013, is arguably the Red Dragons’ most well-known player. However, former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes a host of top-level stars could be attracted to the club this summer if they achieve promotion, and he sees Grealish as the “perfect” statement signing.

“The Hollywood link brings that extra attraction to the club, players will have extra interest in going and playing there,” Barry told Boyle Sports.

“I certainly think it’s an amazing story if they can get promotion and that would change the players they are looking at, but it might be too soon for them.

“Jack Grealish is definitely the Hollywood signing for Wrexham. If they can pull that off, it would be the perfect signing for them. But who knows what’s going to happen with Jack.”

Grealish future uncertainty

After moving to City from Aston Villa for a reported £100 million ($132 million) in 2021, Grealish was a regular in Pep Guardiola’s side in his first two seasons, helping the club win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble in 2023.

However, he has since fallen out of favor and has struggled for consistent minutes. He has not played since Jan. 18 due to injury, and his long-term future remains uncertain amid speculation about his next move.

Reports have linked him with a potential switch away from City, with Everton among the clubs previously mentioned in connection with a possible move. A return to fitness is not expected until later in the year, with his availability for the rest of the season still unclear.

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