Wrexham’s rise has seen big names come into the orbit of the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds project.
Celebrities such as Channing Tatum, Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman have been in the stands to watch Wrexham over the last four years.
That hype often extends itself to the rumour mill, with big names frequently linked with – admittedly unlikely – moves to Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson isn’t interested in superstars, but that doesn’t stop the likes of Jamie Vardy and Christian Eriksen from being linked.
On one occasion, McElhenney did actually leave the door open for one superstar to sign, but a deal never materialised.
Gareth Bale eyes Plymouth Argyle investment
Speaking in 2024, McElhenney admitted wanting Gareth Bale at Wrexham.
Bale announced his retirement in 2023, with McElhenney admitting that he made a ‘plea’ to Bale as he wanted the Welshman to carry on his playing days at the STōK Cae Ras.
Bale remained out of the game but McElhenney tried again last year, admitting that the offer was ‘still on the table’.
“Gareth Bale is still technically available! I don’t know, I made the plea last year and I’m just going to tell Gareth that the offer’s still on the table,” said McElhenney.
“We’ll let you off for golf, whenever you need to get off. As long as you come to training once or twice a week we can figure out how to get you 10 minutes on the pitch. And the golf courses – Wales is amongst the most beautiful countries in the world,” he added.
The former Real Madrid star still couldn’t be coaxed out of retirement but is now in talks over a return to football in a rather different way.
The Telegraph report that Bale is being lined up to front a potential takeover of Plymouth Argyle.
Argyle are in takeover talks with a US-based private equity group, and Bale is being eyed up for a role.
Luka Modric recently invested in Swansea City and Bale could do the same with Argyle, who will be playing in League One next season.
It’s clear that the success of McElhenney and Reynolds at Wrexham is tempting more and more big names into football ownership.
Tom Brady at Birmingham City is a prime example and Bale may now take a stake in Plymouth Argyle to carve out a journey of his own.
We could see Bale at the STōK Cae Ras one day, but in the stands watching his Argyle side rather than wearing the famous red Wrexham shirt as McElhenney hoped.
Wrexham have just handed Gareth Bale a blow
If Bale does finalise his investment in the Pilgrims, he may need to help recruit a new striker.
Wrexham completed the signing of Ryan Hardie on Monday, luring the Scot away from Argyle.
A relegation release clause means Wrexham have signed Hardie for just £700,000, a relative bargain given his goals in the Championship over the last two seasons.
Hardie will play a key role in this Wrexham side and leaves an enormous hole in the Argyle attack.
Many fans would love to see Bale take his place, but he has remained consistent in snubbing returns to the pitch and may instead focus on the boardroom moving forward.
