Wrexham bring in Burnley centre-back Worrall

Wrexham have strengthened their defensive options by signing centre-back Joe Worrall from Championship rivals Burnley. Club officials welcomed the addition, praising his experience and leadership qualities as well as his previous role in helping a team achieve promotion.

Worrall had been an unused substitute in Burnley's opening three Championship fixtures this season. His only appearance under new manager Nicky Hayen came in the EFL Cup first-round win over Notts County.

He began his career at Nottingham Forest, making 226 appearances for his boyhood club before moving to Burnley in the summer of 2024. Worrall was named Forest's player of the season in 2020-21 and played a key part in the club's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs the following season, earning a place in the Championship team of the season for 2021-22.

During his time at Forest, he also had loan spells at Dagenham & Redbridge, Rangers and Besiktas, winning the Turkish Cup with the latter in 2023-24. He made 27 appearances across all competitions for Burnley.

Squad reshuffle

Worrall's arrival follows the departure of England international Conor Coady, who left Wrexham by mutual consent after failing to feature in any matchday squad this season. Elliot Lee, Harry Ashfield and Aaron James are among the players who could leave the club on loan or permanently before the transfer deadline.

This summer Wrexham have already signed goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, wing-backs Danny Imray, Issa Kabore and Jacques Ekomie, and midfielder Ben Whiteman. An additional forward could also arrive before the window closes. Wrexham next face Millwall away in the Championship on Wednesday evening.