Wrexham announce first signing of the summer ahead of Championship campaign and it's a statement of intent

Wrexham have made their first signing of the summer transfer window as they prepare to challenge in the Championship.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club's majority co-owners, have reportedly set aside a budget of £25 million for the summer, which has sparked plenty of discussion around their upcoming transfer business.

So far, Phil Parkinson's side have been linked with a number of high-profile names, including West Ham's Aaron Cresswell, Tottenham's Ben Davies and Fulham captain Tom Cairney.

The Dragons are also said to be interested in signing Reading midfielder Charlie Savage, the son of former Leicester City, Blackburn and Manchester United midfielder Robbie Savage.

But on Monday evening, Wrexham finally made their first announcement of the summer as they confirmed the signing of striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee.

Hardie, who has penned a contract until the end of the 2027/28 season, scored 74 goals in 248 games for Argyle following his move from Blackpool in January 2020.

“I’m delighted to get the move done, I’m really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going," said Hardie, who began his career at Scottish Premiership side Rangers.

“To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit, to get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important.

“The last couple of seasons, it’s been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it’s experience I can lean on now. I’ve enjoyed playing there, and I’ve managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season."

He added: “I love how family-oriented the club is, the community is all together and it really is a one-club City. Everything is to do with the football, and I’m really excited to be a part of that – I’ll give everything I’ve got for the badge.”

Hardie converts his penalty against Liverpool in February. Image credit: Getty

Phil Parkinson also commented on the arrival of Hardie, adding that he was "delighted" to bring him on board. "We’re looking forward to working with him and I’m sure everyone will give him a warm welcome," added Parkinson.

As noted by the Wrexham website, Hardie has reached double figures for goals in each of the last four seasons, including the penalty that helped Argyle knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in February.

Hardie made his professional debut with Rangers in 2014, and also spent time out on loan with Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Livingston. He also represented Scotland at youth level.