Wrexham sign former England international on an 18-month deal from Burnley… as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bolster squad ahead of promotion charge

Wrexham have added considerable firepower to their attack with the additions of Sam Smith and former England international Jay Rodriguez. 

Smith reportedly arrives at the Racecourse Ground from Reading for a club-record fee, while Rodriguez joins from Burnley after undergoing his medical on Friday. 

Rodriguez has been a regular for Scott Parker’s high-flying Clarets, featuring 20 times this season in the second tier. The 35-year-old, who earned his sole Three Lions cap in 2013, has netted two league goals this season. 

‘I’m made up to join the Club. I can’t wait to get out on the training pitch and meet everyone,’ he said in a club statement. ‘I hope I can use my experience to help every single player in the squad and gain something from the group as well.

‘To join the story that has evolved at Wrexham with clear targets is exciting for me.’

Rodriguez made more than 300 appearances for Burney after graduating from the academy of his boyhood club. 

The striker helped the side earn promotion to the Premier League in 2009 and was named Burnley Player of the Year in 2011 before moving to Southampton the following year. 

Rodriguez had spells in the top flight with West Brom before returning to Turf Moor in 2019.  

He joins a Wrexham side  who are in the hunt for automatic promotion from League Two. The Welsh side are eight points behind leaders Birmingham but are winless in their last three league matches. 

Manager Phil Parkinson said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Jay Rodriguez to the Club.

‘He’s an experienced striker with real quality and we’re looking forward to working with him.’