Wrexham are close to completing a £2million deal for Burnley centre-back Joe Worrall, with the Red Dragons leading the race for his signature, ahead of Championship rivals Sheffield United.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Phil Parkinson's team are close to securing the 29-year-old on a permanent transfer before the summer transfer window ends on Tuesday night. Although the move has not yet been confirmed by either club, it is reported that negotiations are well advanced, as Wrexham want to add more experience and leadership to their defence.
Sheffield United were also interested in Worrall and reportedly spoke to Burnley about a season-long loan. But The72 says Wrexham are now set to beat Chris Wilder’s team to the defender, as their offer of a permanent fee put them ahead of the competition.
Worrall joined Burnley from Nottingham Forest in August 2024 on a four-year contract. During his first season, he played in 20 league matches and was part of Burnley's success in gaining promotion to the Premier League, but since then he has had fewer opportunities. This season, his only appearance was in the Carabao Cup when Burnley defeated Notts County, and he has been a substitute not used in league games.
The Nottingham-born defender will bring a lot of experience to the Stok Cae Ras. Worrall came through Forest’s academy and played over 200 league games for his hometown club, even captaining them to Premier League promotion in 2022. He has also played on loan for Rangers and Beşiktaş, gaining experience in Scotland and Turkey, and has three England Under-21 caps.
Worrall, who is 6ft 4in tall, has good aerial ability, a strong physical presence and is a solid defender in his own area. These attributes should suit Parkinson’s style well and Worrall’s experience in leadership as well as his time in the Championship could be particularly useful during a difficult promotion campaign.
Wrexham have been linked with several centre-backs as the transfer window closes, such as Leicester City’s Harry Souttar and Watford’s Mattie Pollock. But their move for Worrall seems to be the most advanced, with some suggesting a medical is also planned for today. The £ 2 million fee could prove good value for a player with 177 Championship appearances and proven promotion pedigree. It would also give Burnley the permanent solution they were believed to prefer, rather than the loan arrangement discussed with Sheffield United.
His signing would underline Wrexham’s determination to go one more this campaign after just missing out on the play-offs last season.
