Max Cleworth: Wrexham defender signs a new contract until 2029

Cleworth has won the club’s Young Player of the Year award on three occasions and was named in the EFL Team of the Year for the 2024-25 season.

He was also named Wrexham’s Player of the Season last year.

Such has been his impressive rise, that Cleworth was recently linked with a move to Premier League club Aston Villa, although manager Phil Parkinson quickly shut down talk of a potential exit.

After Cleworth was left out of the squad for Wrexham’s FA Cup third round win over Nottingham Forest last weekend, Parkinson said: “I didn’t hear that.” [Villa link] Absolutely. Maybe because he wasn’t on the team.

“Max is a big part of our plans. He’s had a hip problem.”

Parkinson handed Cleworth his League One debut against Solihull Moors in his first match as Wrexham manager, at the start of the 2021-22 season.

Cleworth made 174 appearances for Wrexham, scoring 11 goals.

“We are pleased to agree a new contract with Max,” Parkinson said.

He added: “His story is quite unique, with the club split into four different divisions during his time here, and we look forward to him continuing to progress as a player.”