Reading FC have confirmed that striker Sam Smith has completed a permanent transfer to League One promotion hopefuls Wrexham AFC.
The Royals have described the transfer as a ‘significant fee’ which is understood to be around £2million.
However, due to Reading’s transfer embargo, they will be unable to reinvest that money back into the playing squad.
Smith developed through Reading’s academy before leaving to join Cambridge United in 2021.
He became a consistent goalscorer and netted 28 League One goals across two seasons for Cambridge before making a return to the Royals on a free transfer in 2023.
The 26-year-old has become a pivotal figure in Reading’s attack and scored 15 times in 34 League One games last season as the Royals fought against relegation.
This season, Smith has scored eight goals in 19 league games with the Royals sitting in 10th place in the table.
A statement from Reading FC said: “Whilst the club was not actively seeking to sell Sam, the significant offer payable by Wrexham will help support the essential short-term finances required to run the club.
“We would like to thank Sam for his contributions and wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.”
