FIFA rule means Wrexham could soon sign Phil Parkinson target on free transfer despite recent blow

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Wrexham and, in particular, Phil Parkinson, have been trying to land Michael Smith for some time now.

Wrexham held talks to sign Michael Smith during the 2024 summer transfer window.

However, after no move was forthcoming, they eventually signed Modou Faal from West Brom in a record deal to improve their striker ranks.

Faal didn’t see much game time in the first half of 2024/25, and with the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer struggling for goals, the club were back in the market for a centre-forward in January.

Wrexham wanted to sign Smith again over the winter, with club chief Shaun Harvey making a trip to Sheffield Wednesday on January 22.

However, the striker once again remained at Hillsborough, with the Red Dragons instead bringing in Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith.

• READ MORE: National media highlight Ben Davies struggle, Wrexham and Phil Parkinson now have easy decision to make

When Michael Smith could terminate Sheffield Wednesday contract

Hope of a potential free transfer this summer was then quickly quashed last month as it was confirmed Sheffield Wednesday extended Smith’s contract, keeping him at the club beyond June 30, 2025, when his deal was due to expire.

Since then, the Yorkshire outfit’s woes behind the scenes have increased, with player wages going unpaid in the month of May.

The Owls are now under an embargo, and things could go from bad to worse if Wednesday don’t pay wages again in the coming weeks.

Sheffield Wednesday are next due to pay players in three weeks, and if they fail to do so, Smith, along with the rest of their squad, has the right to terminate his contract.

This rule is explained in FIFA’s article on the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

The relevant rule reads: ““In the case of a club unlawfully failing to pay a player at least two monthly salaries on their due dates, the player will be deemed to have a just cause to terminate his contract, provided that he has put the debtor club in default in writing and has granted a deadline of at least 15 days for the debtor club to fully comply with its financial obligation(s). Alternative provisions in contracts existing at the time of this provision coming into force may be considered.”

It means that Smith could become a free agent by mid-July if his wages for June are once again not paid.

Michael Smith vs Wrexham strikers

Sheffield Wednesday had a mixed 2024/25, ending the season in mid-table despite limited backing from their owner.

Smith was in and out of the starting eleven, making 41 appearances in the Championship.

Away from Smith, other strikers are being linked, with Callum Robinson wanted by Wrexham.

Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed Preston North End don’t want to sign Ryan Hardie, who is also of interest to the Dragons.