Wrexham AFC defender Max Cleworth has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until the summer of 2029, with the option of an additional year. The deal marks another milestone in his decade-long journey from academy prospect to Championship regular under Phil Parkinson.
The 23-year-old has made 174 appearances for Wrexham and played a part in each of the club’s three successive promotions. His consistency and development have made him one of the key figures in Wrexham’s rise through the divisions.
Cleworth first joined the academy aged 12 and went on to earn three Young Player of the Season awards and a place in the EFL League One Team of the Year for 2024–25. His new deal continues a pattern of the club rewarding loyalty and progression as it strengthens its Championship foundation. The announcement was confirmed by BBC Sport and the Wrexham AFC official site.
He described signing the contract as a proud moment for both himself and his family, thanking the club for the support shown throughout his career. In his official interview on the Wrexham AFC YouTube channel, he said the latest extension is “something I’m really proud of and really grateful to the club for.”
“A mad journey” from academy to Championship
Cleworth spoke about his decade at the club in his video interview, describing the journey as “a mad one” filled with highs and learning moments.
He reflected on how each promotion had tested him at a higher level but helped him grow as a player and person.
“It’s been a mad journey, not something that I tend to look back on at the minute, but it’s been a crazy roller coaster, one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed,” Cleworth said. “Having family there through it all has made it even more special.”
He added that the Championship step-up has been a welcome challenge and that adapting to stronger opposition has shown how far the team has come. “I’ve always wanted to test myself against the best players possible, and I feel like I’ve adapted well,” he said.
Parkinson praises Cleworth’s unique story
Phil Parkinson, who handed Cleworth his league debut against Solihull Moors in 2021, described the defender’s progress as one of the club’s most remarkable stories. The manager has seen him grow through four divisions, from the National League to the Championship. A full profile of the manager can be read in our Phil Parkinson profile.
“We’re delighted to have agreed a new contract with Max,” Parkinson said. “His story is quite a unique one, with the club being in four different divisions through his time here, and we’re looking forward to him continuing progressing as a player.”
Parkinson also dismissed speculation linking Cleworth with a move to Aston Villa, confirming that the player remains “very much part of our plans” after missing the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest with a groin issue. The manager’s stance reinforced the club’s message of stability and continuity as they look to build on recent momentum in the Championship. That consistency has defined Wrexham’s sustained ascent through the EFL.
Family ties and the Wrexham connection
Cleworth has often spoken about the role his family has played in his career and how deeply the club is woven into their lives. He said that everyone in his household now supports Wrexham and that the emotional connection to the club will last well beyond his playing years.
“It’s become probably the biggest part of all our lives,” he said. “All my family are Wrexham fans now and I don’t think that’ll ever change. Whatever happens in the future, Wrexham will always be a big part of my life and my family’s life.”
The defender also highlighted his responsibility as a role model for the next generation of academy players. “If any of the young lads come up, you hope they know they can lean on you for advice,” he said. “It’s good that the academy has improved so much, and hopefully a few more will make their debuts soon.” His example reflects the same culture of steady growth seen in recent Championship performances.
Focus on improvement and the future
Looking ahead, Cleworth said his main goal is to continue improving while helping the club pursue another promotion. He credited his progress to the support of staff and teammates, as well as his determination to stay professional and consistent at each stage of Wrexham’s rise.
“Just to keep improving is probably the main one,” he said. “The last few years have been mad, so who knows what could happen. The ultimate goal would be another promotion, so let’s hope we can do that over the next few years.”
Cleworth also thanked the fans for their support since his debut, saying their encouragement gives the players an extra lift. “The fans have been nothing but great to me,” he said. “Their support means the world and gives us that extra bit in each game.” His determination reflects the collective focus that will define Wrexham’s progress through the rest of this season and the January transfer window.
Cleworth’s new contract reflects Wrexham’s emphasis on loyalty and internal growth under Parkinson. As the club looks to build on its Championship form, the defender’s continued presence offers both leadership and a reminder of how far the club has come. It reinforces the foundations that have supported Wrexham’s modern squad building.
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