Wrexham are set to sign Reading forward Sam Smith for a club-record fee of £2million, according to reports. The Welsh side have beaten off competition from a number of Championship and European clubs to secure the signature of the 26-year-old, who is set to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours.
Smith's career so far
Smith first joined Reading from Manchester United in 2014 as an academy prospect and made his senior debut three years later in a Carabao Cup tie. He was sent out on loan six times while on the Royals' books before sealing a permanent move to Cambridge United in 2021 on a free transfer. He scored 35 times in 109 appearances for the U's before sealing a return to Reading in July 2023.
Last season, Smith scored 15 goals in 35 League One fixtures as Reading finished 17th, nine points clear of relegation. He has continued his solid form this season with 11 goals in 25 league games, including four in his last seven.
Wrexham's record signing
The £2m fee for Smith marks the first time Wrexham have ever paid seven figures for a player. Young forward Mo Faal is Wrexham's record signing at present, having joined last summer from West Brom for £500,000 in the final days of the window.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will hope Smith's imminent arrival can improve the club's fortunes in front of goal. Midfielder Elliot Lee, defender Max Cleworth and veteran striker Steven Fletcher all have six goals in League One, the most of any individual at the club.
The addition of Smith would provide a much-needed spark up top as Parkinson's side look to maintain pace with Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers at the top of League One. Wrexham have lost ground on the top two with three defeats in their last five.
Parkinson's frustrations
Parkinson was especially scathing after the club's latest setback in which they lost 3-2 to 15th-placed Stevenage on Tuesday night. The loss brought an end to Wrexham's unbeaten run at The Racecourse as Parkinson bemoaned 'there wasn't enough fight' from his troops.
Wrexham's defeat to Stevenage kept them third as they sit on 52 points. Birmingham lead the third tier on 60 points while Wycombe sit second on 58 points, although the former have two games in hand over their rivals. Parkinson will hope Wrexham can pick up their first win in four matches when they travel to take on Crawley Town on Saturday.
