Wrexham have reportedly agreed a club-record deal for a Premier League player ahead of their return to the Championship.
The Robins have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions since being taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney back in November 2020 in a deal that was completed in February 2021.
In 2022-23, they finished the National League season with a whopping 111 points to seal promotion to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
Now, they are just one division away from the top flight after two promotions in a row from League Two and League One respectively – making them the first-ever club to achieve such a feat in England’s top five leagues.
Now, they appear set to make their latest statement of intent by a signing a midfielder who is currently on the books at a Premier League side.
Such a signing could prove to be pivotal in their bid for survival in the Championship, which is notoriously difficult both to stay in and win promotion to the promised land of the Premier League.
Wrexham are reportedly keen on signing a player who has appeared in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest
The Robins have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions since being taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
But as Wrexham look to establish themselves as a second-tier side, they are keen on signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to The Sun.
However, they are struggling to meet his desired wages, which are claimed to be around £35,000 per week.
While Forest are willing to accept an offer in the region of £5million, a gap in personal terms could undo any prospect of a deal.
O’Brien has made 13 Premier League appearances for the Reds since joining them fro Huddersfield Town in 2022.
However, he has fallen down the pecking order at the City Ground and spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea City after previous spells with DC United, Middlesbrough and Los Angeles FC.
O’Brien could become Wrexham’s third signing of the summer, after they agreed to sign former Liverpool and Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward on a free transfer.
His arrival came after Wrexham paid Plymouth – who were relegated to League One – £825,000 for forward Ryan Hardie.
Reynolds and McElhenney will get to visit an established Premier League ground for Wrexham’s first game back in the Championship in 2025-26.
They will visit St. Mary’s to take on Southampton, who finished bottom of the Premier League last season as they accumulated just 12 points and won only two games.
