Wrexham AFC’s 25-year-old winger, Ryan Barnett, has been in stellar form this season, becoming a key player for the Red Dragons in their League One campaign.
Barnett’s performances have drawn plenty of attention, particularly following his standout display in a 4-1 victory over Northampton, where he played a part in four of the goals, providing crucial assists and scoring twice himself. His contributions on both ends of the field have established him as a critical component of Phil Parkinson’s squad as Wrexham continues to push for back-to-back promotions.
Barnett initially joined Wrexham in February 2023 from Solihull Moors and quickly made his mark. His impact has only grown since then, and this season he has already notched two goals while setting up several others.
His creative playmaking and versatility have made him one of the most reliable performers in the squad. With Wrexham currently sitting second in the League One table after 10 matches, Barnett’s role could be pivotal in their quest to secure another promotion.
There had been some concern among fans about Barnett’s long-term future at the club. His original contract, signed upon his arrival in early 2023, was due to expire in 2025, leading to calls for the club’s high-profile owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, to lock him down with a long-term extension. Given Barnett’s contributions, it was clear that securing his services would be a priority for the ambitious Welsh club.
Fortunately, it has now been revealed that Wrexham made a smart move in Barnett’s contract negotiations. According to football journalist Rich Fay, Barnett’s contract included an automatic extension clause that was triggered towards the end of the 2023-24 season as the Red Dragons celebrated promotion from League Two.
READ ALSO: How Amazon Transforms Local Economies When It Moves In
Fay recently shared on social media: “Good news Wrexham fans, I’ve been told Ryan Barnett had an automatic extension clause in his contract that was triggered towards the end of last season, meaning he is actually tied down until June 2026. A great bit of business by the club that looks better by the week.”
This news comes as a relief to Wrexham supporters, as Barnett’s presence will be essential in their pursuit of success in the higher tiers of English football. While discussions about a further long-term extension might take place down the line, the automatic clause ensures that Barnett will remain a key player for Wrexham for at least the next two seasons.
For now, the focus for both Barnett and the club is firmly on the present. Wrexham is in the thick of a highly competitive League One promotion race, and with Barnett firing on all cylinders, the Red Dragons look well-positioned to maintain their momentum.
Under Parkinson’s guidance, and with Barnett contributing with both goals and assists, the dream of reaching the Championship is becoming more tangible with each passing week.
As Wrexham aims to build on its recent success, keeping players like Barnett committed to the cause will be critical. The automatic extension is not only a testament to Barnett’s performances but also to the forward-thinking nature of the club’s management. With the winger locked in until 2026, the future looks bright for both Barnett and Wrexham.