Wrexham go into the 2025/26 Championship campaign with high spirits, and they also have one of the most promising young defenders in the EFL in Max Cleworth — but that could be a problem.
As a product of the Wrexham academy, Max Cleworth is a player that many Red Dragons fans hold dear to their hearts. But, his success thus far has nothing to do with emotion; he has earned everything he has achieved.
The 22-year-old has evolved over the last few years just like the club has, and last season, he well and truly proved how important he is to Wrexham and Phil Parkinson.
In fact, in the forthcoming campaign, we suspect Parkinson will rely on Cleworth more than almost any other player in the squad. That could end up being a big issue for Wrexham in the long run, though.
If Max Cleworth meets expectations this season, other clubs will pay attention
We’re not alone in thinking Cleworth is one of, if not the most important player in the Wrexham roster. EFL experts have backed Cleworth to be key this season, and given how he performed in 2024/25, there are huge expectations on his shoulders.
Cleworth was crowned Wrexham’s player of the year last term, but he now needs to raise his game once more and prove he is worthy of playing in the Championship.
In his relatively short career so far, Cleworth has excelled at every level. If he rises to the challenge again in 2025/26, it’s very likely he’ll help push Wrexham to a successful season.
| Statistics | Max Cleworth 2024/25 |
| Games | 48 |
| Minutes | 4,158 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Clean sheets | 23 |
Of course, exactly what that success looks like is up for debate right now. Many would say that simply staying in the division would be a good achievement for Wrexham, others claim they can land comfortably in midtable, while some are starting to suggest the Red Dragons could sneak into the promotion race.
Wrexham already bagged back-to-back-to-back promotions, but getting a fourth would be a truly unique and astounding accomplishment. So, let’s assume for a moment they do fail in that pursuit.
Given Cleworth’s immense potential, and the fact he will likely be a prominent figure in Parkinson’s plans this season, it’s not unimaginable that he will put himself firmly in the shop window over the course of 2025/26, whether he intends to or not.
If Wrexham fall short of their lofty ambitions, there’s no reason why the bigger fish in the Championship pond, or perhaps even the smaller fish in the Premier League pond, wouldn’t start looking at Cleworth as the kind of player they’d like to sign.
Wrexham have the money to keep Cleworth and they also have the sentimental factor, but when it comes to a footballer’s career, it can be very hard to turn down the appeal of playing at the top level. By this time next year, we could well see Cleworth’s loyalty tested.
- READ MORE: Winners and losers from a Conor Coady transfer to Wrexham, including Phil Parkinson and Max Cleworth
Max Cleworth has Premier League potential
Shaun Harvey has backed Cleworth to reach the Premier League one day, and he’s not the only one who believes the young defender is capable of playing in the top flight.
But, whether he does that with Wrexham or by moving on is the key question and the major dilemma facing the Red Dragons in the future.
Ryan Reynolds expects promotion within the next decade. Unfortunately, if it does take ten years, there’s simply no way Cleworth will still be turning out in the red and white of Wrexham.
He’s a strong, solid defender with great awareness and ball-playing ability, who can also contribute at the other end with goals, too. Given his age and immense potential as well, there’ll be a big price tag on Cleworth’s head, but there’s no doubt a club will come along and pay that one day.