DONE DEAL: Reading FC Sells 11-goals talented forward in huge 6-figure deal to EFL side
Wrexham AFC urged to break transfer record to land 11-goal Reading FC forward in 6-figure deal.
This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Wrexham’s automatic promotion hopes have taken a hit in recent weeks, and Phil Parkinson has to work out a way to close the gap to Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers ahead of the run-in.
A 3-2 defeat to Stevenage on Tuesday has taken the Red Dragons’ winless run in League One to three matches, and they are now six points behind the Chairboys, who occupy second place.
On the other hand, Birmingham are now eight points clear of the Welsh outfit, and they also have two games in hand on those below them in the third tier.
Therefore, it is imperative that Wrexham add to their squad in the final few days of the January transfer window, and Reading may just hold the key to their chances of drawing their rivals in.
Verdict issued on Wrexham’s Sam Smith transfer interest
Football League World exclusively revealed on Wednesday that the Red Dragons are pushing to bring Sam Smith to the STōK Cae Ras ahead of Monday’s deadline.
The 26-year-old has been in excellent form for Reading so far this season, and with the Royals’ ownership issues, Parkinson may be hoping that his side can broker a deal for less than the usual price.
FLW has asked their Wrexham Fan Pundit, Liam Grice, if he would like to see his team sign the forward before deadline day, and how much he believes the Red Dragons will have to pay.
“I think he’s definitely more of the profile of player that I would be looking at signing. He’s 26-years-old,” he started. “He’s played a lot in this division before, and he’s reached double figures for sides that haven’t been doing so great, such as Cambridge and Reading.
“Obviously, when we signed Paul Mullin, Cambridge signed Smith to replace him, and he did pretty well there.”
Liam continued: “Reading are in a bit of financial trouble, so maybe that could be a stumbling block in getting a deal done, but at the same time, it could bring the price down.
“I’d expect us to break our transfer record again for somebody who is consistently performing at this level, so there will be a fee of £500k-£600k I’d imagine, but it’s definitely the kind of player we need.
“He knows where the goal is, and after the performance last night, he could definitely come in and make a difference.”
Sam Smith could put Wrexham’s striker issues to an end
While it has been an excellent season for the most part for Wrexham, their recent drop-off in form is worrying and supporters will be hoping to see a return to winning ways soon.
However, the Red Dragons have had some difficulties up front over the course of the campaign, and the addition of Smith could help put these to an end.
Sam Smith Reading stats 2024/25 (FotMob)*
Appearances (starts)
25 (24)
Minutes played
2138
Goals (assists)
11 (2)
xG
10.81
Shots (on target)
55 (29)
Pass accuracy
67.1%
Chances created
15
Touches (in opposition box)
653 (86)
Recoveries
36
*Stats correct as of 29/01/2025
Injuries as well as inconsistency in the final third have plagued Parkinson’s striking department, and with his forwards aging, he needs the 26-year-old to come in firing if a deal is agreed.
Reading’s situation remains unclear, and this lack of clarity could turn Smith’s head as Wrexham look to catch back up to the leaders.
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