Wrexham's chief executive, Michael Williamson, has revealed the surprising reason why former Manchester United star Christian Eriksen turned down a potential summer transfer to the Hollywood-owned club. Despite Wrexham's ambitious project and recent promotion to the Championship, Eriksen was hesitant to join, fearing the move was primarily motivated by the club's award-winning documentary series, "Welcome to Wrexham".
Eriksen, who was a free agent after his departure from Manchester United, was approached by Wrexham as they looked to bolster their squad for their Championship campaign. Williamson, speaking on That Wrexham Podcast, explained that Eriksen's agent initially rebuffed the approach, stating they didn't want Eriksen's story to be featured in a documentary, as they had received numerous such offers.
Williamson, who previously served on the board of Inter Milan during Eriksen's time with the Serie A club, was taken aback by the agent's assumption. He clarified that Wrexham's interest in Eriksen was solely based on his footballing abilities and the potential impact he could have on the team's performance in the Championship. The club was looking for "difference makers" to help them compete at a higher level.
"He thought we were calling not because of his footballing capabilities, but because we wanted a documentary story (about Eriksen)," Williamson said. "I'm like, 'Wait a minute. I didn't even think about that'. Obviously, I'm aware of it, but that wasn't the reason we were calling".
The "Welcome to Wrexham" series, chronicling the club's rise under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has garnered significant acclaim, winning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and other industry accolades. However, this popularity inadvertently created a perception that the club's recruitment strategy might be influenced by the documentary's narrative.
Eriksen himself had expressed a desire to move away from the Premier League, preferring a move within Europe. While Wrexham's offer might have been tempting, the documentary concern, coupled with his preference for a different footballing environment, ultimately led to his decision to decline the transfer.
Wrexham, backed by their Hollywood owners, have been known for their ambitious transfer targets. While they missed out on Eriksen, they continue to seek players who can elevate their squad as they navigate the challenges of the Championship. In related news, West Ham United star George Earthy also rejected a move to Wrexham during the summer transfer window. Earthy chose to stay and fight for his place at his boyhood club despite interest from several Championship teams.
