Besiktas looked at several defensive reinforcements, including Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle, but ultimately decided on Worrall. His attendance at the most recent Besiktas game sparked transfer rumors.
Despite drawing interest from Sheffield United and Leeds United, Joe Worrall faced a lack of favor under both Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest.
Being a homegrown player, any potential sale of Worrall would be advantageous for Nottingham Forest’s adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations. With the English transfer window closed, the loan to Besiktas serves the purpose of clearing Worrall’s wages from Forest’s books.
Besiktas provides Worrall with the assurance of guaranteed first-team football, aligning with his preferences, while Forest stands to benefit financially. Although a permanent transfer is not ruled out, current reports indicate that this arrangement is a loan.
Having amassed 226 appearances for Forest, Worrall’s future with the club remains uncertain upon his return from the loan spell.
Besiktas, currently occupying the third position in the Super Lig table with 39 points, is no longer in the title race as Fenerbahce and Galatasaray lead by 24 points. However, the competition for a top-four finish, ensuring European competition football, is still in play.