Wrexham AFC must not make U-Turn transfer decision or Aston Villa could pounce | OneFootball

Max Cleworth has been linked with a potential move to Villa Park

Wrexham AFC have continued to gain plenty of media attention throughout their first season at Championship level in 43 years, with a recent impressive run of form propelling Phil Parkinson's men to within touching distance of the play-offs.

Under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, the Red Dragons are aiming to achieve what many of their own supporters and outsiders would have deemed 'unthinkable' just a matter of years ago, to reach the Premier League for the first time in the club's history.

After achieving the record-breaking feat of three successive promotions from the National League to the second tier between 2022 and 2025, many watched on with intrigue as the former Hull City and Bolton Wanderers boss reshaped his squad once more for the challenge that lay ahead, with some questioning whether the North Wales club had reached their ceiling for the time being.

In truth, such claims were not fully unrealistic. In fact, whilst clearly not comparable at this moment in time, it was only a few years ago when many forecasted the same trajectory for Salford City under their own high-profile ownership consortium, although they have since failed to achieve a first promotion out of League Two.

Yet, whilst Wrexham have taken their spending levels to an unprecedented level with several high-profile and eye-catching deals, particularly in the previous transfer window, credit must be given to Parkinson and a handful of players who have been at the Stok Cae Ras for the vast majority of this story, which has generated global levels of interest.

Max Cleworth is certainly one player who has seen it all with the Welsh club, initially breaking into the first-team fold back in the 2021/22 campaign - ironically Reynolds and Co.'s first full campaign as their latest custodians in the boardroom.

Fast-forward four years, though, and the 23-year-old has already made a name for himself at Championship level. And, it is clear that, if the Red Dragons are to round off their remarkable rise in the coming years, they must continue to adopt their current stance over his lack of availability on the transfer market, with the likes of Aston Villa reportedly showcasing an interest.

Phil Parkinson spells out Wrexham's 'not for sale' stance on Max Cleworth amid Aston Villa rumours

As previously mentioned, Cleworth is a player who has seen his ability and potential grow alongside the stature of Wrexham as a club, becoming a mainstay at the heart of defence over time.

Despite not making it over 30 appearances in each of the three seasons between 2021/22 and 2023/24 - the Red Dragons' second promotion year in League Two - the Frodsham native continued to be very much a highly-rated prospect, with his strong performance levels beginning to be praised by Wrexham supporters and those on the outside.

Last season, though, was not only beyond the wildest of expectations which many in North Wales forecasted before a ball was kicked, but it was also a phenomenal campaign for Cleworth on a personal note. His seven goals were key in Parkinson's side coming second to Birmingham City, as well as them boasting the second-best defensive record in League One, with just 34 goals conceded across 46 league games.

With his performances continuing to gain attention, it was then claimed by Wrexham's first £1m sale, Bryan Hughes, in March 2025, that Cleworth would certainly surpass such figures if he was to be sold in the coming years.

"Wrexham don't need to sell now but I think Max could definitely be the one that breaks my record which would be nice for me because I gave him his debut," said Hughes.

"Hopefully his next step will be with Wrexham in the Championship and he cements his place in that. He is good enough."

The defender, once again, has comfortably made the step-up, helping his side keep six clean sheets thus far, as well as scoring once and providing three assists across 25 appearances.

Concern came to the fore last weekend when Cleworth was omitted from the FA Cup squad for the Red Dragons' FA Cup penalty-shootout success over Nottingham Forest amid rumours of a £12m sale to Villa Park, which Parkinson, to the delight of supporters, has batted away.

"I haven't heard that at all. Maybe it's because he wasn't in the team," said the 58-year-old. "Max is very much part of our plans. He just had a problem with his groin."

Aston Villa have a history of sourcing EFL Championship gems amid Wrexham, Max Cleworth links

Whilst Parkinson's comments will offer some reassurances to Wrexham supporters, it should also come as no surprise that the defender has seemingly emerged onto Unai Emery's radar as a potential defensive addition.

It cannot be understated how much the EFL market has aided Villa's progression up the pyramid in recent years, with the Birmingham club now one of the front-runners in the English game, as they are now involved in European outings for a third-straight year, and are favourites to win the UEFA Europa League under the Spaniard, who has won the competition four times already.

The likes of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have all come on leaps and bounds in B6 since moving from the second tier, with the latter now widely valued at £100m after a £15m switch of his own from Middlesbrough 24 months ago.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Cleworth, and whilst Wrexham will do their utmost to retain his services, such links should also be seen as a huge compliment to the player and club's simultaneous progression.