Wrexham sign Reading striker Sam Smith in club record transfer

Wrexham have broken their transfer record to sign Reading striker Sam Smith.

The 26-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2028 after the two League One clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Phil Parkinson has been keen to add a striker for the last two transfer windows as the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney chase an unprecedented third consecutive promotion.

Smith arrives at the SToK Cae Ras with 11 goals in 25 league appearances to his name this season for Reading.

Wrexham’s joint top scorers with six goals apiece are central defender Max Cleworth and midfielder Elliot Lee, one ahead of Jack Marriott who has only recently returned from a broken leg.

“Sam’s a player we’ve been pursuing for a while,” says Parkinson. “He’s a striker who’s done really well over the last few seasons and he’s at a great age.

“He’s a fantastic addition to the squad.”

Wrexham’s previous transfer record fee stands at the £590,000 fee paid for West Bromwich Albion striker Mo Faal last summer.

Smith is expected to be the first of two further additions before the window closes on Monday at 11pm. Wrexham are understood to be keen on another forward.

Smith came through the Reading academy but left to join Cambridge United in 2021. He returned to the Select Car Leasing Stadium two years later.

“I’m excited to be a part of the journey now and I want to try and help the club achieve its ambitions,” he said.

The Welsh club had previously targeted Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith, making a big play for the 32-year-old last summer. But the Championship club were reluctant to let Smith leave in the last two windows.

GO DEEPER

Wrexham 2 Stevenage 3: A wobble or a worry? Striker search to step up?

(Wrexham AFC)