Walsall target left‑flank revival with Reece Smith signing

Walsall have moved to fill a clear tactical void on the left by signing Harrogate Town winger Reece Smith on a three‑year contract for an undisclosed fee. The 24‑year‑old arrives after featuring in all but one of Harrogate’s League Two matches in the English fourth tier, offering the manager a new option to widen the flank.

Manager Lee Grant sees Smith as the answer to widen the left side or to operate behind the striker as a number 10, a gap identified during his first pre‑season. Grant called the acquisition “another coup” after pursuing the winger “for a very long time”.

Smith welcomed the move, describing it as “a big step up”. He added that the prospect of playing on the left or centrally was “music to my ears”.

The three‑year deal makes Smith the Saddlers’ tenth addition of the July 2026 transfer window. All of the deals, including Smith’s, were completed in July 2026.

Smith arrived from non‑league Maidenhead United, where he progressed through the academy and spent four and a half seasons in the first team before moving to Harrogate. His development at Maidenhead laid the foundation for his performances in the English fourth tier.

At Harrogate, Smith featured in all but one League Two match and played in the 2‑0 victory at the Pallet‑Track Stadium in the penultimate game of the previous season. His consistency in the English fourth tier underlines his readiness for the step up.

Walsall will open the new campaign in the Carabao Cup against Bristol City on 6 August, followed by an away League Two clash with Gillingham the next Saturday. Grant is putting the finishing touches to his first pre‑season as the squad integrates its latest signing.