Ferrell’s Investment in Leeds United: A Bond Formed at Wrexham
In February last year, Hollywood star Will Ferrell made a visit to League Two club Wrexham, owned by fellow actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Little did he know that this visit would inspire him to make a “large” investment in Leeds United. The catalyst for his decision was reportedly his bond with Shaun Harvey, Wrexham’s board advisor and former CEO of Leeds United.
During his visit to Wrexham, Ferrell was given a stadium tour by Harvey, who had extensive knowledge of both clubs. The comedic actor was captured on camera joking with the players in the Disney series Welcome to Wrexham. In one memorable moment, Ferrell asked the players if they really liked Reynolds and McElhenney, referring to them as “dodgy Canadians.” He also offered to use his “magic hands” to massage the thigh of Elliot Lee, a Wrexham attacker.
Harvey, who spent nearly a decade as Leeds United’s CEO, played a crucial role in Ferrell’s decision to invest in the club. His familiarity with Leeds and his praise for Ferrell’s involvement in Wrexham may have convinced the actor to take a stake in the “sleeping giant” of English football.
Ferrell’s investment in Leeds United could potentially lead to streaming giants competing for the rights to air a lucrative series on the club. Amazon has already documented Leeds’ journey in their series Take Us Home, and Ferrell’s star power could attract even more attention. This could be a significant opportunity for Leeds United to increase their global visibility and revenue.
The bond formed between Ferrell and Harvey during their visit to Wrexham highlights the influence personal connections can have in business decisions. Harvey’s deep knowledge of Leeds United and his role in Wrexham’s rise up the football ladder likely made him a trusted source of information for Ferrell. This demonstrates the importance of building relationships and leveraging expertise when considering investments.
Overall, Ferrell’s investment in Leeds United is a testament to the power of personal connections and the potential for Hollywood stardom to elevate the profile and revenue of a football club. As the partnership between Ferrell, Reynolds, and McElhenney continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how their involvement impacts the future of Leeds United both on and off the pitch.