**Wrexham May Need to Smash Transfer Record to Land Charlie Savage**
Wrexham AFC, fresh from their recent rise through the football league ladder under the high-profile ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, could be preparing for their most audacious move yet. The North Wales side are reportedly among the frontrunners to secure the signature of highly-rated midfielder Charlie Savage, a player with deep connections to the region and a famous footballing pedigree.
Charlie Savage, son of former Wales and Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage, is currently plying his trade at Reading. However, his performances over the past season have not gone unnoticed, and it appears that Wrexham are not the only club interested in him. Alongside the ambitious Welsh club, Championship outfits Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, and newly-promoted Portsmouth are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old.
In a twist likely to test the resolve of Wrexham’s Hollywood backers, any move for Savage could well shatter the club’s previous transfer record. Last January, the club paid a club-record fee—reportedly over £2 million—for Sam Smith. Early signs indicate that a deal for Savage, whose value escalated through an impressive campaign for the Royals in League One, could exceed even that sum. His tally of seven goals and 13 assists in all competitions was instrumental for Reading as they narrowly missed a play-off position.
Savage’s professional journey adds further intrigue. A graduate of Manchester United’s academy, he made a memorable senior appearance as a substitute in their Champions League tie against Young Boys in 2021. He made the permanent switch to Reading in 2023, where his creativity and energy have flourished. For the player himself, a move up the divisions is reportedly appealing, not only as a step forward in his career but also to reinforce his case for inclusion in Wales’ senior squad under Craig Bellamy.
One advantage that might play in Wrexham’s favour is Charlie’s family lineage. His father, Robbie Savage, is a local lad, born and raised near Wrexham. The young midfielder made his Wales senior debut at the famous Racecourse Ground in October 2023, and his ties to the area remain strong. That occasion was made extra special with the presence of his family, including his grandmother, who lives in close proximity to the stadium.
Speaking after his first Wales cap, Charlie expressed the personal resonance of that achievement, recounting “tough times” in his young career, whilst also paying tribute to his father’s influence and the pride he felt representing his family and the country. Robbie Savage has in turn openly voiced his pride, highlighting not only his son’s talents but also the unique journey Charlie has taken—having been born in England, with a Scottish mother, before choosing to represent Wales as his father did.
Wrexham’s ambitions have expanded swiftly since their takeover, propelled into the spotlight through the documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”, now returning for its fourth season. The surge in global attention has given the club a unique platform to attract significant talent. However, such intense exposure also means transfer speculation is constant, and expectations are high as they target consolidation in the higher echelons of the English football pyramid.
Should Wrexham succeed in making Savage their marquee signing, it would mark the latest in a line of high-profile pursuits since their promotion. The club has also been linked with the likes of Jamie Vardy, Tom Cairney, and experienced professionals such as Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings, both poised to be out of contract soon.
The coming weeks are likely to test Wrexham’s resolve and financial muscle in a fiercely competitive transfer market. As the club chases further fairytale progress on and off the pitch, the prospect of Charlie Savage donning the famous red shirt at the Racecourse could be a story to watch closely. Football fans across Wales and beyond will be intrigued to see whether Wrexham’s remarkable rise will continue with the addition of yet another name steeped in local and national footballing heritage.