Middlesbrough, linked with Joe Worrall in January, will monitor his situation closely as summer approaches.
Middlesbrough appears to have missed out on securing a spot in the Championship play-offs this season, despite reaching them last year.
While it’s not officially confirmed yet, Boro seems destined for another season in the second tier. They currently trail Norwich City by eight points in sixth place, with only three games remaining.
Looking ahead, Boro faces a significant concern with the approaching summer transfer window. With their failure to advance from last season, there’s a risk of losing some of their key players.
Notable talents like Hayden Hackney, Rav van den Berg, and Seny Dieng could potentially depart in the summer.
Given these circumstances, Middlesbrough might revisit targets from the previous January transfer window, considering players they previously pursued but failed to sign.
Among these targets could be Nottingham Forest’s center-back, Joe Worrall.
Worrall’s existing transfer status
Worrall garnered significant interest from multiple clubs during the January transfer window, following a period of being sidelined at Forest.
In December, both Worrall and Scott McKenna found themselves sidelined by former manager Steve Cooper, amid mounting pressure on his position.
Starting from the end of September, Worrall’s Premier League appearances dwindled to just two, totaling a mere 13 minutes of playtime.
Subsequently made available for transfer, the former Forest captain attracted considerable attention from various suitors.
Middlesbrough emerged as a strong contender for his signature ahead of the January window, joined by Leeds United, Leicester City, and Sheffield United in the pursuit of Worrall.
Ultimately, he opted to join Turkish powerhouse Besiktas on loan until the season’s end, completing the move in early February during the extended Turkish transfer window. The agreement includes an option for a permanent transfer.
Although he has made only three league appearances for Besiktas thus far, Worrall has left a strong impression in each game, showcasing his prowess in aerial duels and defensive prowess.
Boro may consider revisiting the possibility of signing Worrall in the summer.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his status at Besiktas, Boro might consider pursuing Worrall again during the upcoming summer transfer window. Securing Worrall’s services would entail a transfer fee since his current contract runs until 2026.
Boro may find themselves in need of a replacement for Rav van den Berg, who has been attracting interest from the Premier League after impressing since his arrival from the Netherlands last summer at the age of 19. Additionally, with Paddy McNair’s contract nearing its end, the necessity for a new center-back is becoming more urgent.
Forest, despite having Worrall tied down for another two years, might still be keen for him to depart, making a move potentially beneficial for all parties involved. Consequently, Boro could be closely monitoring Worrall’s situation in anticipation of a potential transfer.
Worrall boasts previous Championship promotion experience, which could be a significant asset if he were to join Boro, as the aim would be to replicate that success once more.