Wrexham Told Player Will Break Club-Record Fee

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been told that one Wrexham youngster will bring in a club-record fee.

They’re embroiled in a battle for automatic promotion from League One to the Championship. If they’re able to gain promotion, even if it’s via the play-offs, they’ll complete back-to-back-to-back promotions.

The side have been impressive across the board this season. However, one player has yet again caught the eye for the Red Dragons, and one former manager believes the young man is destined for the top.

What’s been said about the Wrexham defender?

Speaking last year on the Fozcast, Ben Tozer said Max Cleworth will be playing in the Premier League soon. Tozer told former Wrexham teammate Ben Foster:

“I think Max has got Premier League written all over him. But it’s whether he wants to go to the Premier League now, and not play because realistically he’s not going to start, but to be fair he might.

“Or does he stay with Wrexham, go all the way up through to the Premier League and possibly captain the club and go that route? He’s got those two options at his disposal, and he’s still only 21.”

More recently, another former player and manager has been singing the praises of Cleworth. Bryan Hughes, who is the most expensive player ever sold by Wrexham, told the Leader that the player could break his record:

“Wrexham don’t need to sell now, but I think Max could definitely be the one that breaks my record, which would be nice for me because I gave him his debut.

“He’s got the potential to do it and the more games he plays and experience he gets, especially this year in League One, will only help him. I always thought he could play higher than the National League when I was there. He is currently playing and consistently playing well, and scoring goals from defence, in League One.

“It is testament to him that he has worked hard and testament to the coaching staff that they have given him the opportunity. Hopefully his next step will be with Wrexham in the Championship, and he cements his place in that. He is good enough.”

How has he played this season?

Cleworth hasn’t been fazed by the step up to League One from League Two. The defender has played and started 34 games this season, receiving an average rating of 7.13, the joint second-highest in the Wrexham team.

The young defender has helped his side keep 16 clean sheets in their return to the third tier. He’s also averaged 3.8 clearances, 3.1 balls recovered, 1.5 tackles, and 0.7 interceptions per game.

The 22-year-old has been a threat in front of goal. The defender has scored seven goals this season, his best scoring tally to date.

Who is Wrexham’s record transfer fee for?

If Cleworth does break the record departure fee for a Wrexham player, he’ll be beating the record of £1 million set by Hughes in the 1996/97 season. Hughes was sold to Birmingham City, and the fee hasn’t been topped since.

In fact, Hughes is the only player the Red Dragons have ever sold for a seven-figure fee. A few players have brought in substantial six-figure fees, but no one has come close to a million.

Could any other players bring in more than £1 million?

The club have used the investment by Reynolds and McElhenney well. Not only have they developed off-the-field, but they’ve built a team that has value and can generate income through transfers.

There are other players in the squad that could bring in a large transfer fee.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is valued at just short of £1 million. Given his young age and impressive performances this season, it’s likely he’ll be able to bring in a good transfer fee. When you consider he signed on a free, it’s a great piece of business by the club.

Winger Ryan Longman joined the club from Championship side Hull City in January. The Red Dragons paid just short of half a million for him and he’s valued at £2 million.  At just 24, Longman has time to develop further and potentially bring in another healthy transfer fee.

All transfer values and fees are taken from Transfermarkt.