Wrexham out-of-favour striker Ryan Hardie emerges as a January target for Reading, the club he must choose over a Plymouth Argyle reunion.
An underrated aspect of the Championship transfer windows is their binary principle of either a “hero” or a “zero”. Nothing in between, for the players who feel settled enough in their rosters.
Well, Wrexham’s functioning in this January window has been a prime example of this methodology. Nothing for anyone else, the Dragons have seen offers popping up for extremes in one of the best players, Josh Windass, to an out-of-favour name in Ryan Hardie.
Talking of the former, Rangers’ waning interest has almost guaranteed Windass’ stay at Wrexham. Thankfully, given the latest Matheus Pereira links, the Dragons only ought to improve in the number 10 aspect ahead.
On the other hand, all such optimism dwarfs in Ryan Hardie’s peculiar case. The problem is not the lack of potential suitors, but choosing which ought to bring the best out of Wrexham’s 1st ambitious signing this summer.
Reviewing the offers Hardie’s been linked with, the former Plymouth hero’s demand has covered a fair share of Championship & League One clubs. Not just that, his presence in the recent Glasgow derby keeps open his possibility of a homeland return, too.
League One clubs strive to win Hardie’s transfer battle
And lo! As if these many clubs weren’t enough, Ryan Hardie has emerged as a leading transfer target for Reading as well.
Recently, transfer correspondent Mark Lesley vouched for the striker’s Plymouth relinks amidst Reading interest, saying: “Plymouth are interested in resigning Wrexham foward Ryan Hardie. Reading also interested.”
Without a doubt, Plymouth’s renewed interest in Hardie originates from his heroics last season. Having played the solo lead with 12 goals in a relegation season, Argyle eyes the Scot to fancy their limited hopes of jumping back to the Championship this time.
Sentimentally, Hardie’s return to Plymouth makes definite sense, simplifying the choice between Reading & them as a no-brainer. Still, for reasons that factor in Ryan Hardie’s career spurt, a move to Reading may be the smarter choice.
Already 28, Hardie’s confidence sits at the bottom of the rock after a dreadful first half this season. Returning to a bottom-half club like Plymouth barely matches his ambitions, with the striker keen to change his fate now.
Reading, competing actively for a League One promotion, comes as a better choice for Hardie. Agreed, a direct promotion scenario is unlikely here also, but it makes practical sense for Hardie to shake hands with Reading and hunt for a promotion rather than becoming Plymouth’s second choice striker behind Lorent Tolaj.
Wrexham’s Reading connection makes Hardie’s choice easier
Statistical rankings & promotion hopes play a crucial role in any transfer, let alone that of Ryan Hardie. Still, a previous connection often helps for a successful spell to go through, and that’s what Wrexham’s history with Reading hints at.
If you don’t know, the two English clubs have recently provided a lucrative two-way street for talented number 9’s.
Interestingly, Wrexham’s in-form Sam Smith was a 2025 January purchase from Reading on the back of a terrific spell. Well, that relation just extended when the Dragons departed Jack Marriott to the League One club last summer.
Ever since then, Marriott has announced himself as Reading’s joint top scorer this season, with 9 goals. What this means is, despite being left out at Wrexham, there’s a significant chance for Ryan Hardie to chip in some goals as Reading’s 3rd attacking option besides Marriott and the other top scorer.
That’s definitely not ruling out how a possible promotion could boost Hardie’s market value while improving his pecking order at Wrexham.
All in all, it’s a faux dilemma for Ryan Hardie. Let’s see if the 28-year-old plays around it correctly or lets his emotions overpower him for a Plymouth reunion.
