Carlton Palmer has said he believes Championship Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith would be a good option for League One side Wrexham.
Smith is in the final year of his contract and rumours have been circulating about a potential move away from Sheffield this summer.
The former Rotherham United striker scored for the Owls in their 4-0 opening-day Championship win against Plymouth Argyle. He also grabbed an assist in their 2-1 win against Hull City in the EFL Cup.
Despite both of those, Smith could still be on the way out this summer. Football Insider reported that Wrexham were interested in bringing the 32-year-old to Wales before the transfer window closes.
What did Palmer say about Smith?
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said:
“One area they have not strengthened is up front, and they’re looking at Michael Smith of Sheffield Wednesday. Michael Smith is coming into his last year of his contract.
“As I’ve said before, Smithy is a very, very good player at League One level. He struggles in the Championship, although he came on in Sheffield Wednesday’s win against Plymouth and scored. He’s a very, very proven scorer in League One.
“Also, two promotions, I think, two or three promotions from League One. He’s 19/20 goals a season there, but he’s already proved his value to Sheffield Wednesday, coming off the bench several times last season and weighing in with valuable goals.
“He does know where the net is. He’s not as prolific in the Championship, and he’s got a year to go on his contract. You know, given his age, should they get a sizeable offer from Wrexham, I think Sheffield Wednesday would let him go.”
How has Smith done in recent years?
In Wednesday’s opening game this season, Smith started on the bench but came on to score the side’s fourth goal. He played just 15 minutes of that game but came away with an 8 rating from Sofascore thanks to his goal.
In the 2023/24 Championship campaign, Smith had a mixed season, along with most of the Wednesday squad. In 31 games, he started 11 times and scored just four goals. He received an average Sofascore rating of 6.67, putting him 20th in the squad’s rankings based on average rating.
However, in the 2022/23 season when Sheffield Wednesday won promotion from League One, Smith played a crucial role. He played 39 games, starting 34 and scored 17 goals. His average rating that season was 7.08, the 6th highest in the squad that season.
Would a move be good for Smith and Wrexham?
For Wrexham, they’d be getting a proven League One striker. In 257 League One games, he’s scored 75 goals. He’s also a physical force who can hold the ball up and link up play for Wrexham. His experience playing and getting out of League One could be crucial.
For Smith, he’s 32 and his game time at Wednesday this season looks likely to be limited given the signings Danny Rohl has made. He might be happy to play that role, but if he wants to start games, dropping to League One could be the best option.
He’s proven he can score goals in League One, but his record of 23 goals in 121 Championship games doesn’t scream prolific. As with most strikers, he’ll likely be keen to keep scoring goals.
A move to Wales could prove to be successful for both the player and the club.