Wrexham AFC, a club once known primarily for its long-standing history in the lower tiers of English football, now finds itself the center of global attention as it chases a spot in the Premier League. With Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney steering the ship since their high-profile takeover in February 2021, the Red Dragons are showing every sign of being serious contenders in the Championship this season. Their ambition is clear: to make the leap from underdogs to Premier League participants—a dream that, just a few years ago, would have seemed outlandish.
As of January 6, 2026, Wrexham sits ninth in the Championship table, only a single point shy of the coveted play-off positions. Their meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, especially after a summer that saw the club invest roughly £33 million in 13 new signings—a bold move following their promotion from League One. The club’s strategy this January, however, is expected to be far more measured and opportunistic, a shift from the extensive overhaul seen just months earlier. Chief executive Michael Williamson, in collaboration with Reynolds and McElhenney, has set a clear budget, ensuring the club remains both ambitious and prudent.
Among the many new fans Wrexham has attracted is a somewhat surprising figure: Sandro, the former Premier League and Brazil international midfielder. Sandro, who made his name with Tottenham Hotspur and later enjoyed spells across Europe and the Middle East, has openly declared his newfound support for the Welsh club. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, he shared his admiration for the owners’ vision: "I think to have these guys who are actors have a dream that they're going to buy a club with one of the best histories in football and how they did it, it's perfect. They've built the team, hired great people around them, and they've gone step by step with new players. I started to be a Wrexham fan and it would be good to have them in the Premier League, but it will be difficult."
But Sandro’s involvement goes beyond mere fandom. He has even offered his own transfer advice, suggesting that Wrexham should target Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira in the current transfer window. Pereira, aged 29, currently stars for Cruzeiro in Brazil’s top flight, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He is no stranger to English football, having previously played for West Bromwich Albion in both the Championship and Premier League. His European pedigree is further burnished by a formative stint in Sporting CP’s youth academy, and he returned to his homeland in July 2023 after a spell with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. According to Transfermarkt, Pereira’s market value stands at around £12 million as of January 2026.
Sandro is unequivocal in his praise for the midfielder, stating, "Matheus [likes to play] like a number 10. He's a good footballer. He has played in Europe before. He is a real baller." For a club like Wrexham, which has already demonstrated its willingness to invest in top talent, the addition of a creative force like Pereira could be a game-changer as they push for promotion. Sandro’s endorsement is more than just flattery—it’s a nod to the club’s growing reputation as an attractive destination for ambitious players, especially those from Brazil.
Wrexham’s appeal has been amplified by the runaway success of their documentary series, which is currently filming its fifth season. The show has become a global phenomenon, introducing the club’s story to audiences far beyond North Wales. As Sandro observed: "When the Wrexham show started to run, I think it was a hit all over the world because it's a beautiful story. Brazilian players already love to come over here anyway." The exposure has not only raised the profile of the club but has also made it an enticing prospect for players seeking both sporting and cultural adventure.
The club’s Hollywood owners have been instrumental in this transformation. Despite their acting commitments, Reynolds and McElhenney remain closely involved in club affairs, working in tandem with Williamson and manager Phil Parkinson. Parkinson, for his part, has overseen a remarkable turnaround, guiding Wrexham from League One to the Championship and now mounting a credible challenge for Premier League football. The club’s calculated approach to the January transfer window suggests a maturity and strategic vision that bodes well for their long-term prospects.
Wrexham’s journey is emblematic of the modern football fairytale—a story of ambition, investment, and global reach. The club’s rise has resonated with fans worldwide, not least because of the Premier League’s magnetic pull. As Sandro put it, "I think it will be hard in the Championship, but if they make it to the Premier League? Not just in Brazil, but around the world everyone loves the Premier League. It's unbelievable - it's the best league in the world." The allure of English football’s top tier is undeniable, and Wrexham’s owners, players, and supporters all share in the dream of reaching those dizzying heights.
Of course, the path to promotion is fraught with challenges. The Championship is notorious for its competitiveness and unpredictability, and Wrexham’s current position—ninth in the table—means every point is precious. The club’s decision to pursue a more targeted recruitment strategy this January reflects an understanding that success in the second tier demands not only talent but also cohesion and resilience. With a roster already bolstered by last summer’s spending spree, the addition of a player like Matheus Pereira could provide the creative spark needed to tip the balance in their favor.
Sandro’s recommendation is not without precedent. Brazilian players have long been drawn to the English game, and Wrexham’s newfound status as a club on the rise makes it an increasingly attractive proposition. The global exposure generated by the documentary, combined with the club’s ambitious ownership and passionate fanbase, creates a unique environment where players can thrive both on and off the pitch. For Pereira, or any prospective signing, the opportunity to be part of Wrexham’s unfolding story could prove irresistible.
As the January transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on Wrexham to see whether they can capitalize on their momentum and strengthen their squad for the crucial months ahead. With the backing of their owners, the guidance of Parkinson, and the enthusiastic support of fans new and old—including Sandro—the Red Dragons are poised for an exciting finish to the 2025-2026 season. Whether or not they secure promotion this year, their journey continues to capture the imagination of football fans everywhere.
For now, Wrexham’s ambitions remain firmly in play, their story still being written with each passing match and every new chapter of their remarkable rise.
