Wrexham Target Manchester United Academy Graduate Son of Wales Legend

Charlie Savage Joins Reynolds & McElhenney’s Summer Transfer Wishlist as Wrexham Prepare for Life in the Championship

It’s been an unbelievable few years for Wrexham AFC—a Hollywood story with all the right ingredients: underdogs, ambition, dramatic goals, and global stardom. But as the North Wales club prepares for its first season in the Championship since 2004, the real work begins. And at the top of their summer transfer wish list? A familiar name to Welsh football fans—Charlie Savage.

Yes, that Savage. The 22-year-old midfielder, who came through the famed Manchester United academy and is the son of former Wales international Robbie Savage, is reportedly being eyed by the Red Dragons as they build for what could be their most important campaign in decades.

The Backstory: From Old Trafford to Reading

Charlie Savage isn’t just riding on a famous surname. While his father Robbie was known for his tenacity and combative midfield presence with clubs like Leicester, Blackburn, and Derby County, Charlie has carved out his own path—one shaped by technical finesse, vision, and a surprisingly mature footballing IQ.

He made his senior debut for Manchester United in a Champions League group stage game against Young Boys in December 2021, coming on as a late substitute in a much-changed side. It was a proud moment—not least because Robbie was on commentary duty that night, visibly emotional as he watched his son don the iconic red shirt.

Since then, Savage has taken the scenic route to first-team football. A loan spell at Forest Green Rovers in League One gave him valuable game time, before a permanent switch to Reading in 2023 saw him become a key player almost overnight. And it wasn’t just minutes he was picking up—he was contributing.

Through the 2024–25 campaign, Savage chalked up 51 appearances in all competitions for the Royals, scoring seven goals and registering 13 assists. That kind of output from midfield is rare. That kind of consistency, even rarer.

Charlie Savage Reading 2024-25

The Bigger Picture: Wrexham’s Meteoric Rise

To understand why a player like Savage would consider a move to Wrexham, you have to appreciate what the club has become.

In just three seasons, the club has catapulted from the National League to the Championship, powered by savvy ownership, bold recruitment, and a diehard fanbase. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney haven’t just sprinkled stardust—they’ve backed it up with serious footballing intent. Their project is no longer just a feel-good documentary. It’s a blueprint.

Finishing second in League One this past season, Wrexham secured their third straight promotion—an almost unthinkable feat before the celebrity duo took over. Now, as they gear up to compete in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, they’re scouting talent that fits their vision: young, hungry, and with a point to prove.

Enter Charlie Savage.

Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney Wrexham

A Move That Makes Sense

On paper, it’s a logical move for both parties.

For Savage, Wrexham offers the opportunity to be part of a high-profile project with plenty of momentum. He’d likely step into a team where he’s expected to start, perhaps even become the beating heart of a midfield tasked with making the jump to Championship-level football.

For Wrexham, he represents more than just a player. He’s a symbol. A Welsh international. A former Manchester United academy product. And, of course, the son of a local hero. Robbie Savage was born in Wrexham and, though he never played for the club professionally, his legacy in Welsh football gives this potential move a nice full-circle feel.

There’s also a financial practicality to the deal. According to sources close to the club, Savage’s wages wouldn’t be a stumbling block. Reynolds and McElhenney have already shown they’re willing to back their ambitions with real money—reportedly preparing to offer Fulham captain Tom Cairney £50,000 a week as he enters free agency. That would easily put them among the biggest payers in the Championship.

So, if the finances align and the project appeals, there’s every reason to believe Savage could be wearing red once again—this time with a dragon on his chest.

The Personal Angle: Family Ties and National Pride

It’s hard not to read into the emotional weight behind this story.

Robbie Savage earned 39 caps for Wales, was a vocal, visible leader on the pitch, and remains one of the most recognizable figures in the Welsh game. While he’s always supported his son’s journey from a respectful distance, there’s no doubt he’d view a move to Wrexham as something special.

More than that, Charlie himself is now forging his international career. Having made his senior debut for Wales, the idea of joining a rising club in his homeland, one that’s quickly becoming a focal point of Welsh football, must hold real appeal.

Wrexham aren’t just building a team—they’re building a brand, an identity. And having a young Welsh international in the spine of their squad feels aligned with everything Reynolds and McElhenney have worked to create.

Not Just Savage: Wrexham’s Welsh Revolution?

Savage isn’t the only name being linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground this summer. Another former Manchester United youth product, Tom Lawrence, is reportedly on their radar as well. The Rangers midfielder, also a full Welsh international, is out of contract and offers both quality and Championship experience.

Wrexham’s interest in players like Lawrence and Savage sends a clear message: the club is looking to blend youthful potential with national identity and competitive pedigree.

It’s not just about climbing the leagues anymore. It’s about establishing themselves as a serious, sustainable force in Welsh football—perhaps even a club that can one day challenge Swansea and Cardiff for national bragging rights.

What Happens Next?

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on North Wales to see how Wrexham navigate their biggest off-season yet. Charlie Savage isn’t the only name on the shortlist, but he might be one of the most meaningful.

Whether or not the deal gets over the line will depend on several factors—Reading’s willingness to sell, Savage’s appetite for the move, and how quickly Wrexham can make decisions as the market heats up.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past three seasons, it’s this: never underestimate Wrexham.

Not when they’re backed by Hollywood, supported by a city that lives and breathes football, and led by a team that believes in writing its own script.

And maybe, just maybe, the next chapter includes a Savage at the heart of it all.