Wrexham have bolstered their League One promotion push with the signing of Championship forward Ryan Longman from Hull City. The Red Dragons, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, confirmed the transfer on Friday. While the fee remains undisclosed, reports suggest it’s around £500,000, signaling the club’s ambition to secure automatic promotion.
The 24-year-old forward, who has signed a contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season with an option for an additional year, chose Wrexham over competition from Oxford United. Longman arrived after Wrexham had shown interest in him following his impressive loan spell at Millwall last summer.
Expressing his delight at joining the club, Longman said: “I’m over the moon and so glad that the deal is over the line. I’m really looking forward to being a part of this journey. I came to watch the game last night (against Birmingham City), and the atmosphere was incredible.”
Longman brings significant Championship experience to Wrexham, having made over 100 appearances in the second tier. Despite missing the early part of this season due to injury, he made an impactful return by scoring the winner in Hull’s 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on December 29.
His time at Hull City, however, was not without challenges. After joining the Tigers permanently in 2022, Longman faced criticism from some fans during a tough period, notably during a 2-0 loss to Huddersfield Town in October that year. After missing a key opportunity to equalize, sections of Hull’s traveling support jeered him, chanting “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” and offering sarcastic applause when he was substituted late in the game.
Despite this adversity, Longman’s resilience shone through. With the support of then-caretaker boss Andy Dawson, who publicly backed him as a “fantastic young footballer,” Longman persevered and soon found redemption. He scored in Hull’s 3-1 victory over Blackpool shortly afterward, earning a standing ovation for his efforts.
Reflecting on the challenging period, Longman acknowledged the fans’ frustrations but emphasized his commitment to giving his all on the pitch. “I know how frustrating it is for supporters when results don’t go our way,” he told Hull Live. “All I can say is that when I’m out there, I’m always putting in maximum effort.”
Now at Wrexham, Longman’s experience in handling pressure could prove invaluable. The club’s high-profile ownership and ambitious goals ensure constant scrutiny, but Longman is well-equipped to thrive in the spotlight. His signing marks another step in Wrexham’s pursuit of a third successive promotion, with fans hopeful that his talent and determination will make a decisive impact on their campaign.
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