According to the latest update from Football Insider, Joe Worrall is among the players that Nottingham Forest are looking to offload this summer. Nixon reports that Coventry City is interested in signing the defender on loan during this transfer window.
However, Coventry faces competition from Championship rivals Sheffield United, who have been in the race to sign the 27-year-old for some time. TEAMtalk reported that Sheffield United has opened talks with Forest regarding a move for Worrall.
Worrall has fallen out of favor at the City Ground with the Premier League side, and it has been reported that Forest hopes to earn up to £4 million for the center-back amid growing interest in his services.
Additionally, the report mentions that Worrall himself is keen on a move to the Blades, though this could change now that Coventry has entered the race.
| Joe Worrall’s career stats – per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Nottingham Forest | 226 | 5 | 6 |
| Dagenham & Redbridge (loan) | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| Rangers (loan) | 32 | 1 | 0 |
| Besiktas (loan) | 9 | 1 | 0 |
Reaction emerges to Coventry and Joe Worrall transfer talk
Mark Robins made several key signings in the center of defense last summer, bringing in players such as Liam Kitching, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Bobby Thomas. Additionally, Luis Binks has made his move permanent this summer.
Neil Littlewood, FLW’s Coventry fan pundit, believes that Joe Worrall’s experience would be a valuable asset, even if it deviates from the club’s usual recruitment strategy of targeting pre-peak players. Despite the existing depth in central defense, Littlewood sees the benefit of adding a seasoned player like Worrall.
He said: “Joe Worrall goes a little bit against our normal recruitment policy, but I think we need a bit of experience, as we have quite a young squad.
“I wouldn’t say no to him coming in. He’s got experience at this level. He obviously got promotion with Forest and has Premier League experience.
“I think he’d be a good player to have in the squad. I do think Robins likes to have four centre-backs in the squad at the same time.
“And Latibeaudiere flattered to deceive a little bit when he was there. Whether he is now seen as right-back cover, I don’t know.
“To be fair, I think Worrall is a better player, so if he comes in, then it’s one of those that is good for the squad in that respect.
“I do think experience is needed within the squad somewhere. Whether that’s goalkeeper, centre-half, or in the centre of midfield.
“We’ve lost Liam Kelly, Simon Moore is another experienced player. We had Kyle McFadzean last season. All of that is down the spine of the team.
“As good as Bobby Thomas and Ben Sheaf are, they are still relatively young, so we do need that added experience into the side.
“Ideally it would be down the spine of the side, and in that respect, I think Worrall would be a clever signing.”
The former England international believes the Sky Blues can bounce back from their disappointing finish to the previous season.
Joe Worrall and Coventry City
Worrall would be a crucial addition for Coventry this summer, as Littlewood highlighted. His extensive Championship experience and his key role in helping Forest end their long stay in the EFL under Steve Cooper in 2022 make him valuable.
Moreover, his leadership and influence in the dressing room would greatly benefit the Sky Blues. Having narrowly missed promotion in 2023 and just falling short of the play-offs last year, Worrall’s presence could be transformative for the club.
Worrall will understandably want to join a team contending for a top-two finish in the Championship next season if he returns to the second tier. However, Coventry could be an excellent choice for him if he desires regular playing time at a club where he can make a significant impact.
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