Wrexham have been dealt a big blow with Max Cleworth now sidelined by injury but a former Premier League player could ease that burden.
Few players started the 2024/25 League One season for Wrexham in better form than Max Cleworth.
Phil Parkinson heaped praise on Cleworth after the centre-back scored and assisted in a 2-1 win over Crawley Town.
That goal saw the 22-year-old become the club’s joint-second top scorer in the league this season with three – only behind the in-form Jack Marriott by one.
The stopper has been incredible so far this term with a number of his teammates including Paul Mullin and James McClean praising Cleworth.
His form had been so good that there was speculation the Welshman could end up attracting interest from teams in the higher divisions.
One Wrexham expert warned Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds they are in danger of losing Cleworth, who is currently under contract at the Racecourse Ground until 2027.
Wrexham dealt Max Cleworth injury blow
But just as the centre-back was hitting his stride this season, he was struck down by injury.
Wrexham drew 0-0 with Leyton Orient over the weekend, seeing them drop down to second in the League One table.
Birmingham City are now top of the division by two points with a game in hand on the Welsh outfit.
To make matters worse, Wrexham lost Cleworth to injury during the game and he could now be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Speaking post-Leyton Orient, Parkinson gave a rather damning update on the stopper’s condition.
He said: “Max has damaged his ankle ligaments, the extent of which we don’t know but the assessment as he’s hobbled off… it didn’t look good,” said Parkinson.
“We feel for Maxi and we hope it’s not too long.”
Wrexham can sign former Premier League player to replace Max Cleworth
Losing Cleworth for any period of time is a big blow for Wrexham and their League One promotion hopes.
Summer additions Dan Scarr and Lewis Brunt can, of course, now come into the side as capable backup options.
But with Parkinson favouring a five-back formation and a busy winter period now on the horizon, Wrexham could do with some more cover at centre-back now Cleworth is out.
The transfer market is, of course, not open again until January, but the free agent market remains open and Wrexham should explore it to find a replacement for their latest rising star.
One player the Red Dragons could look to target is former Middlesbrough star, Daniel Ayala.
The Spaniard helped Boro win promotion to the Premier League in 2015/16 and was an integral part of a backline that shipped just 31 goals in 46 Championship matches.
Ayala then played 26 Premier League games for the Teessiders in 2016/17 and scored one goal. He most recently plied his trade with Rotherham United before his contract expired over the summer.
The 33-year-old may no longer be in his prime, but he is a quality stopper who would no doubt bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Wrexham’s backline.