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Leeds United have made contact over the signing of an attacking player who is admired by none other than legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds suffer Paixao transfer blow

There is still plenty of time for the Whites to get some important business over the line this summer, but they have suffered one big blow ahead of their Premier League return next month.

Primary transfer target Igor Paixao has reportedly chosen to move from Feyenoord to Marseille, rather than join Leeds, meaning Daniel Farke will now have to turn his attention to other attacking options instead.

It’s now a case of the Whites finding an ideal alternative option to Paixao, as well as strengthening in other positions, with Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara mentioned as a strong addition to come in and bolster Farke’s depth in the middle of the park.

Now, another name has been thrown into the mix for Leeds, as they look to perfect their squad before the Premier League opener at home to Everton on August 18th.

Leeds make contact over Sottil signing

According to a new report from TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Leeds and Farke have made contact with Fiorentina about signing winger Riccardo Sottil this summer. Serie A side Torino are also pushing hard to snap up the 26-year-old, however, potentially bringing him in on loan with an option to buy him permanently next year.

Sotill has the quality to be a big hit for Leeds, with Ibrahimovic, who serves in an advisory role for AC Milan, even speaking of his admiration when the winger was on loan there last season.

“Sottil always looks for one-on-one situations, can play on both wings, is young, and has room to grow. Our job is to help them become even stronger.”

Sottil has 15 goals and assists apiece in 138 appearances for Fiorentina, while three goals in 12 caps for Italy’s Under-21s shows that he has been a highly-rated figure since his younger days.

Better signing than Paixao: Leeds in hunt to sign "exceptional" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly in the hunt to sign an attacking midfielder who would be a better signing than Igor Paixao.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 29, 2025

The Italian was even in the top 1% of dribblers last season when compared with positional peers in the big five leagues, further highlighting his attacking ability. He could get Leeds supporters out of their seats next term and beyond.

Manchester United are issuing the perfect response to a 2024/25 campaign that left everything to be desired.

Though INEOS’ efforts to bring in new signings proved protracted at the start, there has been an impetus on strengthening with genuine quality, the frontline revamped through deals for Premier League stars Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, followed by the £74m acquisition of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, one of the most talented young strikers in Europe.

Ruben Amorim was dealt a tough hand when leaving his high-flying Sporting Lisbon project and taking over an Old Trafford side in disrepair, but he’s weathered the storm and has hunkered down, reshaping the team, stamping his mark on the squad.

Man Utd confident they will sign PL star

Technical director Jason Wilcox remains hard at work. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been slated to replace the beleaguered Andre Onana between the sticks, while talks continue over the sales of several first-team drifters, chief of which being Alejandro Garnacho, who is expected to join Chelsea before the end of the window.

However, it’s clear that Amorim is also hoping to sign a dynamic number 6 before the end of the month, viewing a robust profile in the role as being perfect to take his side to the next level and leave a significant impression on the Premier League, pushing United back into the ascendancy of European football.

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, via TEAMtalk, Manchester United are growing in confidence as they chase a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

The all-action midfielder, 21, has previously been reported by Fabrizio Romano to be the focus of new talks between the Premier League rivals, though the Seagulls don’t want to sell and will make any bid extremely difficult, pricing their star at £104m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Baleba, however, is attracted by the thought of joining the Old Trafford side and Amorim is intent on bringing players who want to fight for the badge.

What Carlos Baleba would bring to Man Utd

One of Man United’s most fatal flaws throughout the post-Fergie era has been signing established ‘superstars’, who perhaps have the headline name but have been there and done that, and thus don’t have the fire in their belly that the club need.

Baleba is the perfect profile to buck that trend, and what’s more, so are the already-made deals completed over the past few months. Whisper it quietly, but something feels different about the Red Devils this time.

Brighton have a knack for identifying and developing midfielders. Their talent ID is superlative and mistake-free. And with Baleba eager to switch the sandy south coast for Manchester’s bustling streets, INEOS and Amorim have a glorious opportunity to take this Man United team into their next phase.

The 21-year-old powerhouse is a holding midfielder with bags of energy and an attacking flair, lending itself to an influential position in Fabian Hurtzler’s Seagulls team.

And considering the player’s “colossal” performances so far in the Premier League, as have been noted by Brighton reporter Aden-Jay Wood, he could revolutionise United’s midfield, maybe even turning out to be their own version of Manchester City sensation Rodri.

Rodri’s is a name that we all know. The Spain international is one of the greatest players of his generation and has won the full gamut at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 26 goals and supplying 32 assists across 265 matches in all competitions.

But he started somewhere, and that first campaign in the Premier League proved tricky, with City losing their Premier League title to Liverpool.

Rodri still made an exciting impression, though, and it’s curious to note that Baleba for Brighton last season ranked up quite nicely against that version of the Iberian midfielder.

Rodri might be a Ballon d’Or-winning superstar, but when he first arrived on English shores and got to work under Pep Guardiola’s wing, he had much to learn, and it’s promising to note that Baleba in his youthful period is on the same level as the Spaniard’s one-time iteration.

FBref recorded that the Cameroonian midfielder ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90 too, thus illustrating his capacity to slide forward and progress play for his team.

Though it would take much time and effort to build Baleba up to a position where he could be considered the finest midfielder in the Premier League, one of the best in the world, he certainly has the potential to be just that.

There’s plenty of rocky terrain still to traverse before Man United crest this mountain, which has loomed before them for so long, but it’s not unjust to suggest that things are changing, and that the signings being made have the potential to drive an exciting new era.

Were Baleba to join, Amorim’s midfield would be revolutionised, with a centrepiece carrying all the potential to emulate Rodri and become an all-powerful presence in a Manchester midfield.

Man Utd's new Carrick: INEOS set to make bid for £100m + star this week

Manchester United look ready to splash the cash on a player who possesses shades of Michael Carrick’s assured game.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 11, 2025

Barcelona have confirmed their highly anticipated Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain will not be played at the Camp Nou, with the iconic venue still not ready to host matches. Instead, the fixture will be staged at the stadium in Montjuic, extending the Blaugrana’s exile from their historic home.

• Champions League tie moved away from Camp Nou

  Barcelona have announced that their October 1 showdown with PSG in the Champions League will not take place at the redeveloped Camp Nou. Instead, the game will be staged at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with a capacity of 55,000. The news comes just one day after the Blaugrana opened their European campaign with a 2-1 win over Newcastle, but they are still waiting on administrative permits to open their main stadium despite earlier optimism about a September return.

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  Club statement confirms relocation

  "FC Barcelona announces that the second match of the Champions League group stage, scheduled for Wednesday 1 October at 9 p.m. against Paris Saint-Germain, will be played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.," the club said in an official statement.

  "The Club continues to work intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of Spotify Camp Nou in the near future. FC Barcelona thanks its members and fans for their understanding and support during such a complex and exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou."

• Setbacks continue to delay Camp Nou reopening

  The Catalan giants' homecoming has already been pushed back several times. Their September league games against Valencia and Getafe were moved to the Estadi Johan Cruyff due to missed deadlines, though UEFA restrictions meant it could not host European matches. While construction company Limak has nearly completed the stadium works, the club remain without the official completion certificate or the required licence from the City Council.

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• What this means for Barca’s European campaign

  The news comes as a blow to Barcelona as they will now have to play all of their home Champions League matches at the Montjuic Stadium until the end of the League phase. With over 27,000 fans expected to miss out compared to a Camp Nou crowd, the relocation represents both a financial and sporting setback. Still, the club remain hopeful of being able to play La Liga games in their spiritual home by the end of September.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was in high spirits at full-time after his Arsenal side came from behind late on to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel proved the difference, with the Gunners boss crediting Newcastle United for how tough they made it for his side throughout the game. The Magpies led for over 50 minutes before ultimately finding themselves on the end of a late Gunners comeback, inspired by changes made by Arteta in the second period.

• Arsenal left it late – but good value for comeback win

  Arteta spoke in his post-match interview on BBC Match of the Day about the emotion he felt in the late victory as Gabriel rose highest to head home in the 96th minute and earn his side the three points.

  It may have taken until the very last to secure the win, but Arsenal were good value for the points. Arteta named an attacking line-up including a return to the side for Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, who were both involved in a lot of good play in a strong opening half hour by the visitors. Nick Pope would prove to be in inspired form, though, up until Arsenal turned the game around with a pair of late goals to win 2-1.

  Arteta was left ecstatic at the victory, which brought Arsenal to within two points of leaders Liverpool, while star man and captain for the day Bukayo Saka criticised VAR’s decision to overturn a first-half penalty call on Viktor Gyokeres.

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  Arsenal overcome tough Newcastle test to pile pressure on rivals

  This was a tough test for Arsenal, no doubt. They had lost at St James’ Park on each of their last three visits and it was close to becoming a fourth in a row, without a single goal scored – until Merino and Gabriel had other ideas. It was two corners which would prove the difference, their 11th and 12th corners of the day, as the Gunners fought until the end.

  They have a set of more favourable fixtures coming up and their perceived mixed start to the season is now looking a whole lot more impressive. With four points won late on in their last two fixtures and a host of new signings performing admirably in recent weeks, there is certainly cause for optimism as Arsenal seek a first Premier League title since 2004.

  Newcastle made things tough for their visitors and Arteta paid respect to this at full-time. The Magpies have the tough task of balancing Champions League football with their league campaign this term and will be encouraged by the fact that record £69million ($92m) signing Nick Woltemade has already scored twice for his new club, putting his massive 6ft 6in frame to good use with clinical headed goals against the Gunners and Wolves – though his exploits would not be enough to secure a result on this occasion.

• Arteta's words after Arsenal victory

  Arteta told BBC Match of the Day: "To win in the manner that we have done it, wow what a feeling! Football is about emotion and going through things and today we had a beautiful one at the end of the match."

  On scoring from the 11th and 12th corners: "We generated so much from open play in various many ways. [Nick] Pope was incredible today, he denies us goals. Praise Newcastle for the team that they are, the way that they compete, how difficult they make it for you."

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  Gunners can use platform ahead of important winter period

  Arsenal’s blend of set-piece mastery and blossoming open-play creativity stands them in good stead as we enter the busy winter period of the season. A series of London derbies lie in wait, and it will be intriguing to see who leads the way at the top of the Premier League table come November.

  For Arsenal and Arteta, it may be now or never. Previous excuses about striking options and injuries impacting squad depth are no longer there to fall back on. The Gunners’ mission this term is clear: win, or face increasing scrutiny from all angles. From the evidence thus far, they are on the right track.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called a Hoops transfer target “brilliant” ahead of their Champions League qualifier with Kairat Almaty.

Rodgers addresses Celtic transfers before Champions League qualifier

So far in the 2025 summer transfer window, those at Parkhead have signed seven new players and still have time for further incomings and outgoings ahead of the September 1 deadline.

It has been two weeks since their most recent arrival, 19-year-old Manchester City loan defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, and Rodgers is focused on getting past the Kazakh opposition with familiar players.

Rodgers was asked if he would get the signings he was looking for when the board discover whether they have Champions League income.

“I’m not going to get into a situation where I look frustrated or am frustrated because that transfers on to the players that I have, and those guys have been brilliant.

“If we get somebody in, great. If not, then we’ll go with what we’ve got. We’ll do everything we can to try and ensure all the details are right for the game and see if we can take Celtic back into the Champions League again.

“I’ve had no injuries and I believe that the quality of our game and the intensity that we want to work at can hopefully be enough to see us through. But these games will always be tough games.”

Forrest upgrade: Celtic "pursuing" deal to sign "exciting" £5m star

Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a winger who would be an upgrade on James Forrest.

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By
Dan Emery

Aug 18, 2025

Rodgers responds to Vardy joining Celtic rumours

One player who has been linked with Celtic is free agent Jamie Vardy. The forward has his heart set on a move to Celtic Park after leaving Leicester City, and Rodgers called the forward “brilliant” when quizzed on a potential move.

Rodgers also wanted to ensure uncertainty over potential outgoing transfers also does not affect players.

“I mentioned this a few weeks ago to the players, I think it’s important to just set the narrative for them because there’s so much noise, especially as it ramps up towards the end.

“I’ve been in enough changing rooms to know how stability can be lost in this moment because some players will be thinking are they staying, are they going, but in the midst of that you’ve got really important games.

“So I’ve already mentioned this to players about respecting and acknowledging that it is a difficult part of the season, however, the money will be in your bank every month and it’ll be from Celtic and whilst it is, you need to perform. And in fairness to the players, they’ve been brilliant with that. You see it in their attitude in the game, the energy in the games.”

In the latest twist to the tale in Newcastle United’s search for a striker, the Magpies have now launched an enquiry to sign a striker who’s valued at over £60m.

Latest Newcastle striker targets

It’s been a long summer for those at St James’ Park, but one that they’ll be desperate to end on a positive note. Their search for a striker is still ongoing despite endless rejection and new names are now beginning to emerge on their radar. This reportedly includes both Jorgen Strand Larsen and Alexander Sorloth.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is a name that has particularly threatened to steal the headlines amid reports that Newcastle are pushing to secure his signature. Wolves, however, have so far taken the same stance that Brentford have for Yoane Wissa and price their star striker at around the £60m-mark this month.

As a result, Sorloth has also reportedly emerged as an option for Newcastle and Eddie Howe. The Norway international is reportedly keen to leave Atletico Madrid after falling out with Diego Simeone, which could allow the Magpies to swoop in and sign a striker who reached the 20-goal mark in La Liga last season.

Sorloth also has some unfinished business in the Premier League after going down as a transfer flop during his time at Crystal Palace. Years on from that Selhurst Park frustration, he has rebuilt himself into a clinical, towering forward capable of solving Newcastle’s problems.

With less than two weeks until the transfer window slams shut, however, it’s not just Sorloth and Strand Larsen that find themselves on Newcastle’s radar. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve made their first move to sign a £60m+ star.

Newcastle launch enquiry to sign Kolo Muani

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now launched an enquiry to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain this month. The forward has looked destined to join Juventus since the start of the summer, but with negotiations yet to reach a breakthrough between the Italian club and PSG, Newcastle have reportedly come swooping in to attempt a potential hijack.

Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"

Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 24, 2025

Reports are claiming that negotiations have gone back and forth between Juventus and PSG due to a gap in what they both believe Kolo Muani is worth. The Turin club reportedly want to sign the Frenchman on loan with an obligation to buy worth €45m (£39m), whilst PSG are only willing to accept that option at €70m (£61m) this month.

Given how far apart both clubs are in their valuations, Newcastle could quickly put their riches to good use and solve their striker problem whilst doing so.

Although Kolo Muani struggled at PSG, he quickly rediscovered his best form on loan at Juventus last season, scoring eight goals in 16 Serie A games. A player who Kylian Mbappe once dubbed “complete”, there’s still every chance that the Frenchman realises his impressive potential.

Mikel Arteta opened up on Viktor Gyokeres' lean patch of form after the Arsenal striker fired another blank against Newcastle United. The Swede, who joined the Gunners from Sporting CP this summer, has netted only three goals in eight appearances across all competitions, and Sunday’s clash saw him stifled by the Magpies' rugged defence.

• Gyokeres carrying the load without Havertz

  Gyokeres has been thrust into an extended run of action due to Kai Havertz’s knee injury, picked up in August. With the German sidelined until later in the season, the Swede has started nearly every game, stepping up under mounting pressure.

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  Arteta raves about Gyokeres' character

  Arteta has praised Gyokeres’ work rate, noting that the striker was heavily involved in dangerous situations against Newcastle, even if the final touch just didn’t come off. Gyokeres also kept fighting despite seeing a first-half penalty call overturned after a VAR review.

  “I loved it,” he said. “I absolutely loved how he took it. He went on board, not a single moment when he’s showing frustration. I told him you’re going to get some decisions, some others not. Stand up, you’re going to have two or three players around you in many moments, the ball is in the air and a lot is going to happen.

  “But I loved his reaction, I loved the way he handled the situation emotionally and as well because he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments that he created. He was very much involved in them. It’s a pity that he didn’t score a goal at the end because in my opinion he fully deserved it.”

• Beyond goals: Gyokeres the complete striker

  While goal droughts often draw criticism, Arteta stressed that Gyokeres’ value to the team goes far beyond finishing. He repeatedly creates opportunities, links play, and battles opponents in the air and on the ground. The Arsenal boss hinted that the Swedish forward’s ceiling is still very high.

  “In a really natural and organic way I would say,” he said. “He’s a really confident boy, his work ethic is incredible – the demands that he puts on himself every single day. 

  It’s a joy to work with him, he gives so much to the team and the ceiling is very, very with what he can still give to the team. So, I am very happy with him.”

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  Focus shifts to Europe

  Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, keeping pace with leaders Liverpool. However, the Gunners now turn their attention to Europe, facing Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday. It will be another test for Gyokeres to prove he can shine on the continental stage, and Arteta will be hoping his striker’s confidence remains high despite recent blanks.

Dele captured the hearts of the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase during his spell in North London, joining in a bargain £5m transfer from MK Dons in the summer of 2015.

No supporter could’ve imagined the immediate impact he would have on the first-team, racking up 269 appearances – netting 67 goals, with 22 of which coming back in 2016/17.

The Englishman won the PFA Young Player of the Year back-to-back, but his time at the club would come to an abrupt end – falling down the pecking order after scoring 14 times in his final three years at the club.

In an attempt to resurrect his career, he joined Como back in January, but only featured once – for a total of 10 minutes – subsequently departing Cesc Fàbregas’ side during the off-season.

There’s no denying the attacking midfielder failed to live up to the early expectations he once had in his professional career – potentially landing a similar player before the September 1st deadline.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacker this summer

Xavi Simons has been a player who has emerged on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of days, with the Lilywhites hierarchy even entering talks with the German side over a £60m transfer.

Chelsea have been said to be leading the race over recent weeks, but Thomas Frank’s side could complete their own hijack for the Dutch international’s signature in the coming days.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Manchester United bomb squad member Jadon Sancho a potential option, according to TBR Football.

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that the Lilywhites have “been offered” a last-minute deal for the Englishman, who looks certain to depart the Red Devils having initially cost them £73m.

It also states Frank’s side are desperate for a left-winger before Monday’s deadline, potentially targeting a move for the 25-year-old, who scored five times on loan at Chelsea in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Dele 2.0

Had his career continued on the same trajectory, Dele would still have been a key member of the Spurs squad, subsequently entering the prime years of his career.

At 29, he should be thriving in the Premier League, but unfortunately, off-field events have prevented the former England international from kicking on his career.

He spoke openly about his personal life two years ago, allowing the supporters to gain an insight into his struggles – with sympathy undoubtedly being directed the midfielder’s way.

Ultimately, despite his excellent start to his career, it’s safe to say the player never managed to fulfil the potential he burst onto the scene with – something which is also evident with Sancho and his own career.

The winger thrived at Borussia Dortmund, making over 120 appearances for the Bundesliga side, before completing a £72m switch to join Manchester United back in the summer of 2021.

He’s only made 83 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just 12 times and failing to match the high expectations he arrived at Old Trafford with – leading to his pending departure this summer.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost, but the stats from his loan spell at Stamford Bridge showcase he does still possess top-quality talent, with Frank needing to unlock such talent if he joins the Lilywhites.

Sancho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Joe Cole, ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive carries (5.1) and 91st percentile for carries into the opposition’s box per 90 (2.9).

Such numbers highlight the threat the former Dortmund star possesses in attacking areas, showcasing his ability to drive forward with the ball at any given opportunity.

He also completed 2.3 take-ons per 90, at a success rate of 46% – further offering Frank’s side an added dimension within the final third for his first campaign in the role.

The winger has also been able to find a teammate consistently, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, subsequently ranking in the 93rd percentile for passes into the opposition box – which could provide those around him with key opportunities in front of goal.

There’s no denying that Sancho won’t be many of the supporters’ first choice between now and the end of the window, but it could be an excellent option if he can recapture his best form.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the Spurs hierarchy back this summer, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking – with the upside massively outweighing the potential drawbacks.

The new Son: Spurs make last-minute approach to sign "phenomenal" £60m star

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land a star who could be their next Heung-min Son.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 28, 2025

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has set himself an ambitious target for his debut season at Barcelona, with the England star determined to be involved in 30 and 40 goals. The former Manchester United forward has made an instant impact under Hansi Flick, already contributing six goal involvements in his first nine appearances in the Blaugrana jersey.

• Rashford sets a Barcelona target for himself

  As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Rashford has set a personal target of being directly involved in 30 to 40 goals for Barcelona this season. The 26-year-old has already scored twice and registered four assists in La Liga and the Champions League. His six contributions make up 25% of Barca’s total goals so far, matching Ferran Torres’ output.

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  New signing adapting quickly at Barcelona in Flick's setup

  Rashford’s fast start reflects his growing influence in Hansi Flick’s setup. The Englishman has adapted quickly to the demands of Spanish football, providing a consistent outlet in transition and showing strong chemistry with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo. His willingness to take on responsibility in attack highlights why Barca pushed to bring him in this summer.

• Rashford's numbers so far at Barcelona

  The winger has impressed with his direct play and decision-making in the final third. He has already provided key assists against Paris Saint-Germain, Getafe, Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad, while his brace against Newcastle showed his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. Rashford has also ranked among Barca’s best for shots, dribbles and chance creation in recent matches.

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  Rashford central to Barcelona's plans this season

  With Barcelona fighting on multiple fronts, Rashford will be central to Flick’s plans in the coming weeks. His blend of pace, creativity and end product makes him a vital part of the Blaugrana’s attack. Maintaining his current rate could see him reach his ambitious target well before the end of the campaign.

Ryan Reynolds has explained how he and Rob Mac have changed the mindset of a football club and community in North Wales, with people now proud to say: “I’m from Wrexham.” That was not the case when two Hollywood stars completed a stunning takeover of then National League Red Dragons in 2021, with a record-shattering rise to prominence having been enjoyed since then.

• From takeover to the Championship: Wrexham's meteoric rise

  Few knew what to expect when it was announced that Reynolds and Mac were venturing into the world of sports co-ownership. Fears of a celebrity gimmick being played out were aired, especially when it was revealed that documentary cameras would be heading to the Racecourse Ground.

  A remarkable success story has, however, been played out. ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ has opened up a window to the world, building a global fan base in the process, while progress on the field has delivered a historic run of three successive promotions – with the Red Dragons now flying high in the Championship.

  They are one step away from reaching the Premier League, with Reynolds and Mac having provided considerable funding on and off the field while chasing that top-flight dream. They have been taken into the hearts of Wrexham natives, showing that A-list investment can be a positive when managed in the right way.

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  Reynolds proud of achievements at Wrexham

  Reynolds is rightly proud of all that has been achieved, telling : "We are in the Championship league, one step from the Premier League, and honestly it’s wild. It’s two things about it that I think are really remarkable. The first thing and the most important is that people in Wrexham – you know, five years ago when we got there, they wouldn’t really even say Wrexham. If you said: ‘Where you from?’ They would say: ‘North Wales’. And now they say: ‘I’m from Wrexham (expletive).’ I love it! I’m just like, I love that.

  "And so, yeah, the show Welcome to Wrexham is shooting its fifth season now. Wrexham the club, the football club, is in its 167th season. So, it’s one of the oldest football teams – third oldest in the world. It was promoted three times in a row, which is history. No-one’s ever done that in the sport, which is good and bad because, like, literally Rob and I are watching us get promoted and we’re like: ‘Well, we’re going to have to now rent our mouths out to oligarchs’.

  "This is crazy. As we walked off the field, they literally started rolling the field up because a heated one needs to go down to play in that kind of league. So, it’s been transformative for the town in every way. It’s just imbued the town with a kind of positivity that wasn’t there. They lost coal and steel and all that sort of post-Thatcherism kind of sadness that was there, it’s gone and it’s like this vibrant community that is an amazing place to visit."

• How Hollywood takeover of Wrexham came about

  Wrexham have come a long way in a short space of time, with Mac’s wife – Kaitlin Olson – having previously told Lorraine of how the most unlikeliest of ventures came about. She said: "I mean, honestly, I thought it was amazing because this was during Covid and if you know my husband, you know, I mean, we were all on lockdown and we couldn’t work or do anything. You tell Rob he can’t do something, he’s like, ‘Yes I can’.

  "So he just needed to come up with an idea of something that he could do. And he said, you know, I have this idea if I buy a football club and I take it to FX and then, you know, we make a television show out of it, the money that we get paid for the show, we could just put into the club. And it’s a win-win. And then he brought it up with Ryan, and he thought it was a great idea."

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  Wrexham fairytale: More drama for documentary series

  That "idea" has become a fairytale adventure, with there no sign of Wrexham slowing down. Adjusting to life in the Championship has not been easy, with the odd question being asked of Phil Parkinson’s future as manager despite all that he has achieved, but they are just five points adrift of the play-off places through nine games as more drama is delivered for the club’s award-winning documentary.