In a recent report, The Sun has mentioned that West Ham United are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall ahead of the summer transfer window. However, it has been revealed that the Hammers could face competition in the form of Burnley and Norwich City in pursuit of the English centre-back this summer (via The Sun).
Worrall’s Impressive Form At West Bridgford This Season
Worrall has enjoyed a solid season in the EFL Championship after establishing himself as an influential presence at the heart of Nottingham’s backline. The 24-year-old has appeared in 33 matches for the Tricky Trees this term, netting one goal and earning one assist in the process on all fronts.
The Nottingham-born central defender has given a good account of himself by averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game in the EFL Championship this season. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 76.6% of his attempted passes in the English second division (stats via whoscored).
Worrall’s current contract with Nottingham expires in the summer of 2024, so it would take a sizable offer from the Hammers if David Moyes decides to move in for him in this off-season. At 24, the talented centre-half is about to enter the prime years of his playing career, so West Ham can expect to make the most out of his services if they manage to win the race for his signature.
Will Worrall Be A Good Option For The Hammers?
Standing at 1.90m, Worrall can use his powerful frame to dominate the opposition in the air. He can win his fair share of aerial duels and is proficient at reading the danger quickly to earn the ball back for his team.
The English defender is not shy of putting his foot through the ball to restrict the opposition from causing too many problems on the counter. However, he is yet to prove his worth at the highest level, so there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his high standards when thrown into the deep end of Premier League football.
David Moyes is a vastly experienced manager who could be the perfect man to get the best out of Worrall at the London Stadium in the coming seasons. The Nottingham Forest star could be a decent option for the East London outfit to consider before the start of the new season as he would add some serious competition for Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna for a place in Moyes’ first team. Plus, he could serve as a good, long-term replacement for Fabian Balbuena whose West Ham contract is set to run out soon.
