Wrexham’s James McClean reveals how much Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds actually paid for Mo Faal

Mo Faal was one of nine players Wrexham signed in the summer transfer window, with the 21-year-old arriving for an undisclosed fee from West Bromwich Albion.

Faal earned a healthy reputation while on loan at Doncaster Rovers and Walsall last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.

That prompted Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to splash the cash on the towering Gambian striker on deadline day, with Faal still waiting to make his first start for Wrexham.

It’s been a frustrating period for the powerful forward as he’s seen his minutes restricted due to Jack Marriott’s form and the return of Paul Mullin.

How much Wrexham paid to sign West Bromwich Albion striker Mo Faal

Faal was seen as a long-term investment in the transfer window. With Ollie Palmer and Steven Fletcher both in their thirties, the West Brom man was signed with the future in mind.

It was reported by multiple outlets that the fee paid for Faal was around £500,000 – equalling what Wrexham paid to sign Ollie Rathbone from Rotherham.

However, speaking at the live event of Fozcast, midfielder James McClean revealed that Faal cost a club record £590,000 to bring him to the Racecourse Ground.

For someone who is currently fourth or fifth choice in the striker position, paying that much for a youngster is a lot but it is an investment that can pay dividends in the future.

Wrexham switched the focus of their transfer strategy this summer as they targeted younger players instead of ones who were more experienced.

Five of their arrivals were aged 23 and under, including Josh Adam, Arthur Okonkwo and Lewis Brunt, with Faal now their record signing.

Currently, fans may question why they’ve paid that much for someone who is unproven at this level but it’s a smart piece of business.

Fletcher is likely to retire at the end of the season while Palmer and Marriott see their contracts expire. It remains to be seen whether one or both the players get new deals.

However, in the event they don’t, Faal is arguably a long-term upgrade on the duo as his age, ability and potential make him a wise investment.

Wrexham fans will hope to see more of Faal as the season progresses having only watched 78 minutes of the striker in their EFL Trophy win over Salford City.