Will Ferrell 'buys large stake' in Leeds United after advice from Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham

Hollywood A-lister Will Ferrell is reportedly the latest celebrity to dive into the world of English football, having purchased a "large stake" in Leeds United.

The comedy icon, known for his role in 'Anchorman', is expected to be announced as a new shareholder at Elland Road shortly, The Sun reports. Ferrell, a frequent attendee at football matches in the UK, has reportedly developed a keen affection for Leeds, embracing both fandom and business interests with the club.

Following the trend set by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have notably uplifted Wrexham AFC since taking over the North Wales team in 2020, Ferrell joins the ranks of Hollywood stars making their mark on English football. Michael B Jordan, famed for his roles in 'Black Panther' and 'Creed', entered the scene last year as part of the consortium owning AFC Bournemouth.

Ferrell has been a visitor to Wrexham's Racecourse ground as a guest of Reynolds, and is believed to have talked through getting involved in English football with his Hollywood friend. He even turned up at the famous Turf pub last February and mixed with locals.

Leeds United's ownership includes 49ers Enterprises, the investment entity linked to the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, which has attracted a host of famous figures. With Ferrell's entry, he aligns himself with sports luminaries such as golfers Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, and renowned actor Russell Crowe, all of whom have stakes in the Yorkshire club.

A source confirmed to The Sun: "It's true, Will Ferrell owns a share of Leeds," adding that "The 49ers will be announcing his involvement in the coming days and he's looking forward to sprinkling a little stardust on the club.", reports the Mirror.

"He loves soccer and has been particularly impressed by the passion of the English game. And his aim now is to see Leeds back where they belong - in the Premier League. As far as Will and the 49ers are concerned, this is a serious investment opportunity."

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Ferrell supports Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC and previously said he did not support any particular club in England, but admitted he was fascinated by the Premier League and its storylines. He has also shown his support for Wrexham, sitting with Reynolds and David Beckham at the FA Trophy final in 2022 as the Red Dragons were beaten by Bromley and clearly had a first-hand view of ownership in English soccer given his friendship with Reynolds.

Ferrell has previously joked about football club ownership, sharing a laugh with former Aston Villa star Jack Grealish after meeting him at a Manchester City game. Ferrell said: "Great to meet my new British friend Jack Grealish at the Etihad today. He told me to buy Birmingham City and to get them relegated to League Two."

Ferrell's first game watching Leeds in action as an owner is set to have huge stakes, with Daniel Farke's side falling short in their bid for automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday, having to settle for third place and the gauntlet of the playoffs after a 2-1 defeat to Southampton.

Leeds United are set to take on Norwich City in the first leg of the playoff semi-final at Carrow Road on May 12, with the return leg scheduled for Elland Road just four days later. If successful, they'll face either Southampton or West Brom in the playoff final at Wembley later this month.