How Wrexham AFC's current wage bill compares to the biggest clubs in the Championship | OneFootball

FLW compares Wrexham's wage bill to the rest of the Championship.

Wrexham AFC had the joy of securing promotion on Saturday evening as a long-range strike from Ollie Rathbone and a double from Sam Smith helped them see off Charlton Athletic.

In a season where they have been tested against the might of Birmingham City and the willingness of Wycombe Wanderers, the Red Dragons have once again prevailed, securing promotion alongside the Blues and extending their promotion streak to three consecutive seasons.

In 2022–23, they were up against the likes of Maidstone United and Dorking Wanderers; next season, they will be challenging Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City as they seek to establish themselves as a Championship club.

As much as opposing supporters may complain that they've simply thrown money at it, much can be said for the faith that co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have placed in Phil Parkinson and his squad. At times, they have had struggles, but they have come out of it flying with that winning feeling possibly providing that extra edge in this season's promotion race.

Now they head to the second tier, where the financial scale will be more comparable. With this in mind, Football League World has taken a closer look at the Red Dragons' wage bill and how it compares to the other squads in the Championship.

Note: This is provided using Capology's wage estimation system.

Wrexham's wage bill compared to the Championship

It will come as little surprise to Wrexham supporters that their wage bill is one of the highest in League One, with Parkinson's side boasting a host of experienced players. It currently ranks third at £10,670,400 per annum, with only the relegated duo of Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City from the 2023-24 season above them.

If Wrexham were to retain the same squad with the same contracts in the Championship, they would find themselves near the bottom, ranking third from last in the second tier.

Below them, you would have Plymouth Argyle, who are all but relegated to League One, and Portsmouth, who have done really well to stay up under the guidance of John Mousinho.

Looking at the upper echelons of the league, we have teams who pay extraordinary amounts, including the recently Premier League-promoted duo of Leeds United and Burnley. Sitting in first and second place respectively, the Whites pay £36.79 million, while the Clarets shell out £29.51 million.

The biggest surprise probably comes in seventh place, with relegated Cardiff City handing out £20.91 million to their players.

Wrexham will see an increase to their wage bill in the Championship

Heading into the Championship, Wrexham will likely see an exponential increase to their wage bill, not only due to players signing new contracts but potential new transfers as well.

Phil Parkinson has already admitted he will have his "eye on players available on free transfers", with Jamie Vardy already being touted as one potential option.

A continuation of these types of links will only see that wage bill rise, with the Red Dragons needing players who are prepared to compete at the second tier. Their current squad, while strong, isn't quite ready for life in the Championship, and Parkinson, alongside his recruitment team, will no doubt be aware of this.

So, when looking at this list at the end of next season, don't be surprised if the North Wales side features near the top.