Wrexham’s path to Premier League glory : Analyzing the challenges and requirements for promotion

Wrexham AFC’s meteoric rise through the English football pyramid has captured global attention. From languishing in the National League to now challenging for promotion to the Championship, the Welsh club’s trajectory suggests the Premier League might soon be within reach. The remarkable ascent, propelled by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, positions Wrexham for potentially creating football history with unprecedented back-to-back-to-back promotions.

In Short

The remarkable rise of Wrexham: From non-league to Championship contenders

Wrexham’s 1-0 victory against Wycombe Wanderers on March 16, 2025, signified much more than three points in their League One campaign. Sam Smith’s 78th-minute goal propelled the Red Dragons into the second automatic promotion spot with just nine games remaining. This crucial win moved them ahead of Wycombe in the standings, creating a real possibility of Championship football next season for the first time since 1982.

The Hollywood-backed club sits 12 points behind runaway leaders Birmingham City but now occupies that coveted second automatic promotion position. While Wycombe have a game in hand and superior goal difference (+27 compared to Wrexham’s +21), the momentum clearly favors Phil Parkinson’s side. Should Wrexham maintain this form and secure promotion, they would achieve something remarkable – climbing from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons.

This rapid rise defies conventional football progression. No team has ever jumped directly from the National League to the Premier League, with Luton Town coming closest by completing the journey in nine years after winning the National League in 2014. Wrexham’s potential three-year timeframe would shatter all precedents and create an entirely new model for rapid football ascension.

The club’s revival since Reynolds and McElhenney’s £2 million acquisition in 2021 has already yielded extraordinary results. Wrexham escaped the National League in the 2022-23 season before immediately securing promotion from League Two last term. This season’s push for Championship football represents the next chapter in what could be the most remarkable story in modern football – potentially competing against Premier League giants in dramatic weekend matchups by 2026.

Financial realities and infrastructure challenges for Premier League aspirations

While Wrexham’s trajectory appears unstoppable, the financial realities of competing in the Championship present significant hurdles. Birmingham City, currently topping League One, invested £29.7 million following relegation last season, including a statement £15 million signing of Fulham’s Jay Stansfield. By comparison, Wrexham’s total spending since promotion stands at approximately £5 million, with their club-record signing being Smith’s £2 million transfer from Reading in January 2025.

Stuart Webber, who orchestrated promotions to the Premier League as sporting director at both Norwich and Huddersfield, highlights the enormous challenge: “The step-up to the Championship is huge. People don’t realize how big the gap is between League One and the Championship: Norwich are midtable, and 75% of their squad are international players.”

Unlike Ipswich Town, who achieved back-to-back promotions after spending £8 million on Championship-caliber players while in League One, Wrexham have operated more conservatively. Their approach has relied on the squad that delivered previous promotions, though signs of evolution are appearing as heroes like Paul Mullin (who scored 47 goals in their National League promotion campaign but just five this season) gradually play reduced roles.

Infrastructure presents another significant barrier. Wrexham still doesn’t own their training ground, and the Stōk Cae Ras stadium requires substantial investment to increase its 13,300 capacity. The commercial disparity is stark when compared to established clubs – Ipswich (29,600) and Birmingham (29,400) generate more than double Wrexham’s matchday revenue from significantly larger stadiums.

However, Wrexham’s unique commercial advantages cannot be overlooked. Their global profile, bolstered by the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series, doubled commercial revenue to £10.5 million in their last financial year. This global appeal creates unique opportunities for adopting Premier League tactical approaches and attracting players who might otherwise be beyond their reach.

The feasibility of Wrexham’s Premier League dream

Historical precedent suggests Wrexham’s Premier League ambitions aren’t entirely far-fetched. Several clubs have achieved consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League, including Ipswich Town (2022-24), Manchester City (1998-2000), and Southampton (2010-12). However, these clubs began with stronger foundations – larger stadiums, established academies, and previous top-flight experience.

Wrexham’s uniqueness stems from starting this journey in the National League. By July 2026, they could theoretically be preparing for fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United – an almost inconceivable scenario just four years after competing in non-league football. This would represent perhaps the most remarkable rise in English football history.

The commitment demonstrated by Reynolds and McElhenney provides genuine cause for optimism. As Webber notes: “One thing I’d say about the owners is that everything they said they were going to do, they’ve done. They haven’t been like fake owners, which often clubs have had, who start off with a load of enthusiasm and then the money runs out.”

This consistent backing will prove crucial if Wrexham achieve Championship status. The second tier represents a significant financial step-up, with many clubs spending in excess of £20 million annually on player wages alone. Wrexham’s ability to bridge this gap while simultaneously improving their infrastructure will determine whether their Premier League dreams become reality.

Should they maintain momentum and secure promotion this season, Wrexham would enter next term as Championship newcomers with Premier League aspirations. While their trajectory has defied expectations thus far, the final step would require unprecedented investment, shrewd recruitment, and perhaps most importantly, patience. As excitement builds for upcoming Premier League matchday storylines, Wrexham supporters might soon dare to imagine their club featuring among them.