Wrexham are joining the race to sign Reading playmaker Charlie Savage as they prepare to flex their financial muscle in the Championship.
The ambitious Welsh club are said to be in for the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a standout season in League One with Reading.
Wrexham Ready to Make Statement with Savage Swoop
Savage, a Wales international and son of former Premier League midfielder Robbie, was one of the most creative midfielders in League One last season, finishing with the second-most assists in the division. He played 51 games in all competitions, scoring seven goals and becoming a consistent figure in Reading’s midfield.
While several Championship clubs including Portsmouth, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers have registered interest, Wrexham’s financial power puts them firmly at the front of the queue. Sources indicate that the Dragons are not only prepared to meet Reading’s £2 million valuation but could outbid their rivals on wages as well.
Hollywood backing
Their intent comes as no surprise. Backed by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham are believed to have a transfer budget of around £30 million this summer after their third consecutive promotion. Now in the Championship, the club is looking to make marquee signings who can help them consolidate—and potentially contend.
Savage, who began his career in Manchester United’s academy, has rapidly grown into a dependable and technically gifted midfielder since joining Reading. Despite off-field turmoil surrounding ownership and protests at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Savage remained focused and consistent throughout the campaign.
Reading’s failure to secure a play-off place has left them vulnerable to losing key players, and Savage looks likely to be one of the first out the door. Interest from overseas clubs has also emerged, though the player’s Welsh roots and the prospect of joining a club on the rise may give Wrexham an edge in negotiations.
Writer’s View
Charlie Savage to Wrexham would be a bold, ambitious and very believable transfer. He ticks multiple boxes: age profile, market value, Welsh international pedigree, and technical ability. For a side entering the Championship with serious financial backing, it’s the kind of deal that sends a message.
While the likes of Portsmouth and Birmingham City could offer tradition and stability, Wrexham’s ceiling—and spending power—could prove decisive. If Savage wants to be part of a project that’s rapidly heading upward, it’s hard to think of a more exciting option than the one being built at the Racecourse Ground.
