Wrexham AFC have confirmed the signing of experienced centre-back Joe Worrall from Championship rivals Burnley on a permanent deal, as reported yesterday by Wrexham RoundTable. The transfer fee is believed to be around £2m.
The 29-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract at Stok Cae Ras, with a further year option.
Worrall is Phil Parkinson’s sixth signing this summer and adds much-needed experience, leadership, and strength to the defence following the disappointing way the club have conceded so far this season.
Phil Parkinson’s side moved ahead of Sheffield United to sign Worrall, with the Blades having looked at a loan, but Wrexham’s push for a permanent transfer gave them the edge.
Worrall said: “I’m really pleased to be here. I’m super excited to get my teeth into working with good players, the manager and the ownership.
“I’m here to win football matches and achieve something special.
“Everything that Wrexham’s about, I’m going to throw myself into it head-first and give my all for this badge.”
Born in Nottingham, Worrall started out at his hometown club Nottingham Forest, coming up through their academy and playing over 200 senior games. He captained Forest and helped them beat Huddersfield Town in the 2022 Championship play-off final to return to the Premier League.
He made the Championship Team of the Season that year. The centre-back has played on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge, Rangers, and Beşiktaş, winning the Turkish Cup with Beşiktaş in 2024, then joined Burnley and helped them win promotion again.
Speaking about his latest challenge, Worrall said: “I’m buzzing. I’m really excited and happy to sign for Wrexham. I think it’s such a great opportunity for me and the Club to push and really achieve something special.
“I like the culture, I like the culture of the town, the people who are involved with it, and I think their morals are in line with what I’m about as well, so I think we’ll be a good fit.”
Standing at 6ft 4in, Worrall offers aerial strength, good organisation, and a strong desire to defend his penalty area. These qualities should fit well with Parkinson’s style.
Describing his game, Worrall said: “Honesty, loyalty and hard work.
“I’m more of a hard-working centre-half who likes to head it and clear my box, and I’m honest as they come.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, that’s what I do, and that’s what I pride myself on a day-to-day basis.”
Parkinson welcomed the signing, saying: “We’re delighted to welcome Joe to the Club.
“He’s an experienced centre-half, with good leadership qualities, who’s been part of promotions out of this division.
“We look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
After helping both Forest and Burnley reach the Premier League, Worrall now hopes to earn a third promotion with Wrexham, and complete the Hollywood ending that owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds are dreaming of.
“I’m looking to complete the hat-trick,” he said. “I think this Club gives me a great opportunity to come and sign and really go for that as well.
“The fans are going to be a massive part in what we can achieve over the next few years.”
The deal is subject to international clearance, but there aren’t any concerns, with the player likely to be availble to face Millwall on Wednesday night, as Wrexham look to secure their first three points of the Championship season.
