Wrexham AFC have made a significant statement of intent in their quest for Premier League football, securing the signature of experienced England international defender Conor Coady from Championship rivals Leicester City. The transfer, finalized for a reported fee of £2 million, marks another milestone in Wrexham’s remarkable rise under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The glass is half full, Conor Coady has arrived!
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) August 1, 2025
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC
A Proven Leader for Wrexham’s Championship Campaign
Conor Coady, a 32-year-old centre-back with a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience, passed his medical with Wrexham on Friday morning, August 1, 2025, and is set to sign a two-year deal with the club. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain brings a pedigree that includes 198 Premier League appearances, 179 Championship games, and 10 England caps, having been part of Gareth Southgate’s squads for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. His leadership qualities and defensive nous are expected to bolster Wrexham’s backline as they prepare for their first season in the Championship in 43 years.
Coady’s arrival is a coup for Wrexham, who have already broken their transfer record twice this summer with the signings of Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace and Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien. The club is also in advanced talks to secure Wales international forward Nathan Broadhead for a club-record £7.5 million and Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore, signaling their ambition to compete at the top end of the Championship table.
A Perfect Fit for Wrexham’s Vision
Wrexham’s co-owners, Reynolds and McElhenney, have set an ambitious target of reaching the Premier League by 2027, and Coady’s signing aligns perfectly with this vision. With two Championship titles to his name—won with Wolves in 2018 and Leicester in 2024—Coady brings a winning mentality and invaluable experience to a squad aiming for a fourth promotion in five years. His ability to play as a centre-back in manager Phil Parkinson’s preferred back-three system, alongside young defenders Max Cleworth and Lewis Brunt, is expected to provide stability and leadership at the heart of Wrexham’s defense.
Coady’s move to Wrexham comes after a season of mixed fortunes at Leicester City, where he made 22 appearances in the Premier League but struggled to secure a regular starting spot under new manager Marti Cifuentes. With only 12 months remaining on his Leicester contract and the club looking to trim their squad following relegation, Wrexham capitalized on the opportunity to secure the defender’s services. Reports suggest Coady was also a target for Scottish giants Rangers, but Wrexham’s ambitious project and the allure of playing a key role in their rise swayed the Haydock-born player.
What Coady Brings to Wrexham
Coady’s career has been defined by his leadership and versatility. At Wolves, he captained the side to two seventh-place Premier League finishes and a Europa League quarter-final appearance in 2020. His time at Leicester saw him contribute to their Championship title triumph in the 2023/24 season, showcasing his ability to perform at the second-tier level. Former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher once praised Coady’s potential as a “top” Championship defender, a prediction that Wrexham fans will hope comes to fruition.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Coady’s experience and professionalism are expected to mentor Wrexham’s younger players, such as 22-year-old Max Cleworth and 24-year-old Lewis Brunt. His vocal presence and ability to organize a defense will be crucial as Wrexham face tough tests in their Championship opener against Southampton on August 9 and subsequent matches against the likes of West Brom.
Wrexham’s Hollywood-Backed Ambition
The signing of Coady underscores Wrexham’s transformation from a National League side to a Championship contender in just three years. The “Wrexham effect,” fueled by Reynolds and McElhenney’s investment and the global popularity of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary on Disney+, has turned the club into one of the fastest-growing in world football. Their aggressive approach in the transfer market this summer, with high-profile signings like Josh Windass, Ryan Hardie, and George Thomason, demonstrates their determination to not just survive in the Championship but to push for promotion.
Manager Phil Parkinson has emphasized the importance of building a squad capable of competing in the second tier, telling BBC Sport Wales, “The most important thing is by the end of August we’ve got a squad in here which we feel can compete.” Coady’s addition, alongside other marquee signings, positions Wrexham as serious contenders, with bookmakers ranking them ninth for promotion odds.
A New Chapter for Coady and Wrexham
For Conor Coady, the move to Wrexham represents a fresh challenge and an opportunity to play a pivotal role in a club on the cusp of greatness. For Wrexham, it’s another step toward their ultimate goal of Premier League football. As the Red Dragons prepare for their Championship debut, the arrival of a player with Coady’s experience and pedigree sends a clear message: Wrexham are here to compete, and they mean business.
