Exeter City are closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Joe Whitworth from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The League One side are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the 20-year-old on a season-long loan deal as they look to prepare for another season in the third tier, according to Alan Nixon.
Whitworth was part of the AFC Wimbledon academy but moved to Palace in 2016, where he worked his way through their set-up to make his senior bow in a Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023. In doing so he picked up the club’s record for their youngest goalkeeper fielded during a Premier League game.
The Sutton-born man has also been a part of the England youth set-up progressing from the Under 15s to Under 18s in 2022.
A solid move for Exeter City?
Whitworth is young and inexperienced and the Premier League side will be keen to get him out and playing senior football to bulk up his physicality.
Gary Woods was released at the end of the season and Harry Lee spent time out on loan in the National League South last season, so the club will need competition for Shaun MacDonald who acted as a backup to Aston Villa loanee Viljami Sinisalo last season.
Whether Whitworth is ready for regular first-team action or not remains to be seen, the step up from academy football can be daunting, especially in a competitive and unforgiving league such as League One. At 20 years old though he does need that environment to prove to Palace that he has what it takes.
A goalkeeper can often make or break a season, get the decision wrong and it can impact the way your defence has to play, however, get the decision right and Exeter could have unearthed a gem who is waiting to prove himself.