Maybe Plymouth can succeed where Real Madrid failed - getting Gareth off the Golf Course! Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Can Plymouth be the new Wrexham?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 1:04 PM ET

Gareth Bale, soccer’s Welsh wizard, is fronting a US consortium eyeing Plymouth Argyle’s takeover, sparking buzz about a Wrexham-style Hollywood glow-up. Fans are dreaming of “Welcome to Plymouth Argyle” hitting screens. But is this League One club ready for some stars and stripes flair?

Talks between Bale’s group, backed by the Storch family, and Plymouth Argyle’s hierarchy are ongoing, though no deal is sealed. The club, nestled in England’s southwest, has a loyal fanbase but lacks Wrexham’s global spotlight. Bale’s star power could change that fast.

Wrexham’s rise, fueled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, set the bar for American-owned English clubs. Their docuseries turned a fifth-tier team into a global sensation. Plymouth, sitting in League One, might be ripe for similar magic per BBC Sport.

Is Welcome to Plymouth Argyle next?

American ownership in English soccer is booming. Premier League giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are US-owned, alongside Championship clubs like Swansea City. Roughly 10% of England’s 92 professional clubs have American investors, per UEFA’s 2024 report.

Bale, a former Real Madrid Galactico, brings credibility to the bid. His consortium’s private equity muscle hints at big ambitions for Plymouth’s Home Park stadium. Yet, fans worry about losing the club’s gritty soul to glitzy Americanization per The Telegraph.

Plymouth’s current owner, Simon Hallett, has stabilized the club since 2018, but financial realities make a sale tempting. A takeover could inject millions, with estimates suggesting a $20-30 million price tag. Still, negotiations remain fluid, with no timeline confirmed.

Could “Welcome to Plymouth Argyle” rival Wrexham’s fame? A docuseries would need Bale’s charisma and a compelling underdog story to hook viewers. Plymouth’s coastal charm and passionate fans offer prime TV fodder.

Skeptics argue Plymouth lacks Wrexham’s quirky appeal or Bale’s native connection to Wales. Others see a masterstroke, blending Bale’s fame with American cash to elevate a sleeping giant. The deal’s success hinges on community buy-in, per FIFA’s club governance guidelines.

American takeovers often stir controversy, with fans fearing debt or cultural disconnects, as seen at Manchester United. Plymouth’s supporters demand transparency from Bale’s group. Trust will be key to avoiding backlash.

Plymouth Argyle’s future is tantalizingly uncertain. If Bale’s vision clicks, this could be soccer’s next fairy tale. For now, fans await the final whistle on this blockbuster deal.

Next: Is FIFA’s Club World Cup the Biggest Flop in Soccer History?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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