Carlton Palmer spoke to FLW on the potential deal between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest for Joe Worrall.
Joe Worrall could be set for departure from the City Ground this summer.
The 27-year-old has been on the books at Nottingham Forest since the age of 14, but his long stay may be coming to an end this summer.
Worrall has spent the second half of this season on loan at Turkish side, Besiktas, where he has been in and out of the starting eleven.
As for his parent club, Nottingham Forest, they survived relegation and will now prepare for another season in the Premier League. Worrall started the first five Premier League games for Forest this season, but quickly saw his place in the starting eleven disappear, hence the loan move.
| Joe Worrall’s 2023/24 stats, all competitions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Club | Apps | Goals |
| Nottingham Forest | 9 | 0 |
| Besiktas (Loan) | 8 | 1 |
According to a report from TEAMtalk, recently-relegated Sheffield United are keen to secure a deal for Worrall this summer, with Nottingham Forest clearly having no future plans for him.
Forest are said to want £4 million for the defender if they are willing to let him go this summer, with Besiktas having the option to buy. If the Turkish club do not take Forest up on their offer, Sheffield United should certainly swoop in.
Carlton Palmer on the potential move for Joe Worrall
Former England international and current Carlton Palmer, suggested that Joe Worrall would be a superb signing for the Blades as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of next season’s Championship campaign.
Speaking exclusively to FLW, he said, “At 27, Joe is an experienced centre-back and this would be a good bit of business for Sheffield United in their re-structure and their plans to try and get an immediate return to the Premier League.
Centre-back is a position that Sheffield United will have to reinforce. They are looking at [Luke] Ayling, I know he plays at right-back but can play at centre-back. It’s looking more than likely that Ayling will stay at Middlesbrough if they can agree a deal, so this would be a good bit of business.”
On the proposed transfer fee, Palmer said, “£4m would be a good price for a player who is still particularly young, 27 years of age, and it would be a good bit of business for Sheffield United. This season, I know we’re talking about a different level from the Championship to the Premier League, but they have conceded over 100 goals, so it’s an area they have to address.
“The goalkeeper situation and the back four is an area that Chris Wilder needs to address before the start of the new season.”
A move to suit all parties
Joe Worrall’s arrival at Bramall Lane would be ideal for all parties. As mentioned, Sheffield United desperately need a reshuffle in defence, and in Worrall they get an experienced and reliable central defender, who has experience of promotion to the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest will have little plans for their club captain next season, with the likes of Murillo, Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhate all ahead of him in the centre-back pecking order. No doubt, they will strengthen even further in the summer, meaning Worrall’s time at the City Ground is inevitably coming to an end.
At 27 years of age, Worrall will want regular football next season, and that is exactly what he will get with the Blades. He may be stepping out of top-flight football, but there is every chance that Sheffield United earn promotion to the Premier League once again next season, and Worrall would enjoy being a part of that.
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