It’s clear that Wrexham are serious when they say that the goal is the Premier League and that it won’t be many seasons.
The player in question scored the decisive goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup last year.
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Wrexham have made their first summer signing as they prepare to compete in the Championship.
The club’s main owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have reportedly set aside a budget of £25 million for the summer transfer window, which has sparked a lot of debate surrounding the club’s future player purchases.
So far, Phil Parkinson’s team has been linked with several well-known names, including West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell, Tottenham’s Ben Davies and Fulham captain Tom Cairney.
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The Dragons are also said to be interested in signing Reading midfielder Charlie Savage, the son of former Leicester City, Blackburn and Manchester United player Robbie Savage, as they prepare for the 2025/26 season.
But on Monday night, Wrexham’s first official announcement of the summer finally came: they confirmed the signing of striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed sum.
Hardie, who has signed a contract until the end of the 2027/28 season, scored 74 goals in 248 appearances for Argyle after his transfer from Blackpool in January 2020.
Hardie: “Can’t wait to get started”
“I’m incredibly happy that the transition is in place, and especially that it’s been arranged so early. I can’t wait to get started,” said Hardie, who started his career at Scottish giants Rangers.
“Getting a full pre-season will be hugely important – getting to know the team, the coach’s style of play and everyone around me. The last few seasons I have gained good experience in the Championship and that is something I can take advantage of now. I’ve enjoyed playing there and scored a lot of goals, so I hope it can continue.
He added:
“I love how the club is family-oriented, how the whole city is united in the team. It’s all about football here, and I’m really excited to be a part of it. I’ll give everything for the shirt.
Parkinson: “Expecting a lot of effort”
Coach Phil Parkinson also expressed his excitement about the signing:
“We are very happy to have Ryan with us. I’m looking forward to working with him, and I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome from everyone.
According to Wrexham’s website, Hardie has reached double digits in goal production each of the last four seasons – including the penalty goal that helped Plymouth knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in February.
Hardie made his professional debut for Rangers in 2014 and also had loan spells at Raith Rovers, St. Mirren and Livingston. He has also represented Scotland at age-appropriate level.
With this signing, Wrexham are sending a clear signal of their ambitions ahead of their return to England’s second-tier division.
