Disappointment for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Wrexham target pens new contract with Premier League side

Cairney, who was a top target for newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham, has signed a new one-year contract with Fulham. His decision ends speculation about a potential move away from the Premier League, following reported interest from Wrexham and West Ham.

Speaking to Fulham club media, Cairney said: “I’m happy to sign for another year at this amazing football club, I’m delighted. It feels brilliant. It feels right. It’s always been home.

“I’ve fully enjoyed the last three years in the Premier League, contributing on and off the pitch, and I just want to help take this Club as far as I can. I’ll always try and do that.”

Wrexham, backed by Hollywood owners Reynolds and McElhenney, were reportedly ready to offer Cairney a £50,000-a-week deal. Cairney, however, chose to continue his decade-long stay with Fulham, where he has made 354 appearances and remains an integral figure. The development is a blow to Wrexham's hopes of adding Premier League experience to their squad as they prepare for life in the Championship.

Cairney was a key part of Fulham’s past two promotion-winning campaigns and famously scored the decisive goal in the 2018 play-off final.

Reynolds and McElhenney's Red Dragons will now have to turn their attention elsewhere in the search for top-flight experience. Cairney’s commitment strengthens Fulham’s midfield depth as they look to build on recent Premier League stability. Wrexham’s transfer ambitions, however, show no signs of slowing down.