Wrexham’s ambitious bid for a Lyon star
Wrexham A.F.C. is reportedly lining up a club‑record offer for 25‑year‑old Czech attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc of Lyon. The 24‑cap Czech international, who has attracted interest from Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and even Juventus, is the club’s top transfer target as the summer window nears its deadline.
Co‑owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are said to be driving the bid, which could reach as high as £35 million – a figure that would more than quadruple Wrexham’s current record and become the most expensive transfer in Championship history. Sulc’s contract at Lyon runs until 2029, presenting a significant hurdle for the Welsh side.
Wrexham’s recent transfer activity has already seen a club‑record £8 million deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, while Crystal Palace defender Danny Imray, Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman, and others have joined the Racecourse Ground this summer.
Manager’s plans amid a competitive market
Phil Parkinson, who guided Wrexham to a narrow miss of the play‑off place in 2025/26, said the club is “working towards several options” as the window closes. He added that the club is “competing for players who the top teams are looking to get” and that there are no guarantees any signings will materialise.
The manager spoke to Reynolds, McElhenney, CEO Mike Williamson and director Sean Harvey before Wrexham’s opening home game, a 1‑1 draw with Watford. Parkinson admitted the club is “competing for players” and that “when you’re in the battle for players you have the challenge of other clubs trying to take them or teams don’t want to sell them.”
Aiming for Premier League promotion
Wrexham’s ambition is clear: a fairytale promotion to the Premier League. After bringing in 13 new faces last summer, the club has prioritised quality over quantity this transfer window. A successful signing of Sulc would provide a quality difference‑maker in a midfield that could help the club reach the top flight.
Sulc, who has been named Czech Footballer of the Year in 2025, would be a high‑profile addition. If Wrexham can secure the deal, it would not only set a new club record but also demonstrate the club’s willingness to challenge the Championship’s elite for top talent.
The transfer window will close in just over a week, leaving Wrexham with a tight deadline to finalise any agreement. The club’s co‑owners and manager remain optimistic that the right price can be negotiated to bring the Lyon star to North Wales.
