A Wrexham star who has been supported to play in the Premier League might fetch a record-breaking transfer fee, according to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After rising through the Welsh club’s development ranks, defender Max Cleworth has emerged as a key player under Phil Parkinson.
In the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has made 139 appearances for the Red Dragons and assisted in his team’s promotion from the National League and League Two. With eight goals across all competitions this season, Cleworth has been a mainstay in League One as Wrexham sits second in the league and aims to qualify for the Championship.
Ben Tozer, a former club captain, once said that the centre-back might play in the Premier League because of his outstanding achievements over the past several years. When discussing Cleworth’s potential on former Manchester United and Wrexham goalie Ben Foster’s Fozcast podcast last year, Tozer made the prediction.
“Max has Premier League written all over him,” the former Chelsea Town defender said. “But the question is whether he wants to go to the Premier League now and not play because, in all honesty, he won’t start, but to be fair, he might.” “Or does he stay with Wrexham, go all the way up 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.”
Reynolds and McElhenney have now been informed that they might set a new record for the highest transfer sum the club has ever received if they opt to sell Cleworth. The £1 million Birmingham City paid to entice midfielder Bryan Hughes away from the Racecourse Ground in 1997 was the most amount ever generated by the sale of a single player.
However, after leading Wrexham for seven months in 2019, Hughes himself thinks Cleworth might be worth more.
“I noticed Max’s talent at the age of sixteen,” Hughes told the Leader newspaper. “It’s amazing to see him where he is now, and I gave him his debut against Ayr. When I quit my position, I told the owners to make sure they signed players like Max and Jake Bickerstaff because they would be the club’s future.
The business plan at the time focused on youngsters and using their money to keep the team afloat and help us advance through the leagues; we were unaware of Rob and Ryan’s commitment. Wrexham doesn’t have to sell right now, but because I gave Max his debut, I believe he has a good chance of breaking my record.
“He has the capacity to succeed, and the more games and experience he gains—particularly in League One this year—will only benefit him. When I was there, I always believed he could play at a level above the National League. In League One, he is presently and continuously playing well and scoring goals from defence.
“It is a testament to him that he has put in a lot of effort, and to the coaching staff that they have provided him with this opportunity,” he continued. Hopefully, he will solidify his position in the Championship with Wrexham as his next step. He is adequate.
