Done Deal: Wrexham AFC Officially Confirm the Signing of Manchester City Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne After Oliver Rathbone Trade to Birmingham City
In a transfer development that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Wrexham AFC have officially confirmed the signing of Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City. The blockbuster move comes in the wake of Oliver Rathbone’s transfer to Birmingham City, which appears to have paved the way financially and strategically for the audacious swoop.
A Historic Day for Wrexham AFC
Wrexham, a club with a storied history dating back to 1864, has been making headlines in recent years thanks to the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The club’s rise from the National League to the English Football League has been nothing short of cinematic. However, the acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne signals an entirely new chapter—one that firmly places Wrexham on the global football map.
The announcement was made via the club’s official social media channels and website early Saturday morning. Accompanied by a professionally produced video featuring Reynolds and McElhenney welcoming De Bruyne to the Racecourse Ground, the statement read:
“Wrexham AFC is proud to announce the official signing of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City. One of the most decorated midfielders in modern football, De Bruyne joins us as we embark on an ambitious new phase in our journey. Welcome to Wrexham, Kevin.”
The Move: Unprecedented and Unbelievable
De Bruyne, 33, has long been regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, known for his vision, passing range, and playmaking brilliance. With multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League title under his belt, his move to a League One side (following Wrexham’s most recent promotion) is unprecedented.
While financial terms have not been officially disclosed, insiders suggest that the deal was facilitated not only by Wrexham’s increased commercial clout and revenue streams but also by Manchester City’s openness to granting their veteran star a new challenge. The trade of midfielder Oliver Rathbone to Birmingham City reportedly helped free up salary space and align the club’s midfield structure, allowing room for De Bruyne’s arrival.
According to sources close to the negotiations, De Bruyne was impressed by Wrexham’s ambition, long-term vision, and the opportunity to take on a leadership role in shaping a new legacy.
Reaction Across the Football World
The announcement has triggered a global reaction. Fans, pundits, and former players have expressed a mixture of disbelief, admiration, and excitement.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher commented, “I thought it was a prank when I saw the headline. But fair play to Wrexham—they’re rewriting the rules on what’s possible in modern football.”
Former Manchester City teammate Ilkay Gündoğan tweeted, “You’re going to light up League One, maestro. Wishing you all the best, KDB!”
Social media was abuzz, with #DeBruyneToWrexham trending worldwide within minutes of the announcement.
Strategic Implications for Wrexham
De Bruyne’s signing is not just a symbolic gesture—it has deep tactical and strategic implications for Wrexham’s immediate future. His ability to control the tempo of a game, deliver inch-perfect through balls, and contribute goals from midfield will be transformative. With Wrexham already riding high on successive promotions, De Bruyne’s presence could propel them toward a genuine challenge for Championship football next season.
Head coach Phil Parkinson expressed his excitement:
“Kevin is a world-class player, and to have him here at Wrexham is a testament to how far we’ve come. His experience and football intelligence will be invaluable as we continue to build.”
The Hollywood Factor
The role of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney cannot be overstated. Their commitment to investing in the club, the community, and its global branding has transformed Wrexham into a unique footballing phenomenon. This transfer, perhaps more than any other, underlines their willingness to dream big and deliver.
In a video message, Reynolds said:
“When we first got involved with Wrexham, we wanted to tell a great underdog story. With Kevin joining the team, we’re taking that story to the next level. And trust me, the script just got a lot more exciting.”
As De Bruyne prepares to make his debut in the red and white of Wrexham, the football world will be watching with intense interest. Ticket sales have already surged, and the club shop reportedly sold out of “DE BRUYNE 17” jerseys within hours.
Wrexham will now enter the new League One season with a squad that blends gritty lower-league experience with one of the most technically gifted players in world football. Their goals are clear: promotion, competitiveness, and continued growth.
For Kevin De Bruyne, it’s a bold new chapter in a glittering career. For Wrexham AFC, it’s the dawn of a new era one that no longer just dreams of Hollywood endings, but actively writes them