Exeter City are keen to bring back Crystal Palace goalkeeper Joe Whitworth on loan for the upcoming season, following a successful stint at St James Park.
Whitworth, 21, has established himself as a key figure in the Grecians’ goalkeeping department this term, helping the club maintain a mid-table position in League One. Journalist Alan Nixon confirmed on his Patreon account that the club is eager for the stopper to return.
Whitworth, who is set to return to Palace at the end of this campaign, has made 43 appearances across all competitions for Exeter, with 38 of those coming in the league. The young keeper has kept 15 clean sheets during his time with the club, and manager Gary Caldwell is eager to reunite with him next season to continue his development.
Whitworth’s Impact at Exeter City
Since joining Exeter last year, Whitworth has firmly taken the number one spot between the sticks. The loan deal was initially seen as a step to gain valuable first-team experience, and it has paid off with a series of solid performances. His impressive form has caught the attention of not only Exeter but also plenty of other EFL clubs, including Shrewsbury Town, who had also shown interest before he joined Caldwell’s side.
Exeter’s pursuit of Whitworth highlights their growing ambitions in League One, and the club is hopeful that Crystal Palace will be open to another loan arrangement for the 2025/26 season. The goalkeeper’s experience at Exeter could be pivotal in furthering his career development while continuing to provide crucial contributions for the Grecians.
“Joe’s been excellent,” Caldwell insisted after facing Birmingham City in January. “He’s a young goalie who’s playing his first games in league football and especially early in the season, he was the main thing that was keeping us clean sheets – he was a massive part of our defensive solidity that we had.
“We’ve improved as a group defensively and he’s a big part of that.
“Not only in the way he saves and his bravery to come out for crosses and deal with things like that, but the way he can play with his feet is an outstanding attribute that modern-day goalkeepers need. So we’re delighted to have him. “
Writer’s View
Joe Whitworth has been an excellent addition to Exeter City, and his performances have shown that he is ready for more regular first-team football. For the Grecians, securing his return would be a major boost in their continued push for stability in League One. While his future ultimately rests with Crystal Palace, Exeter will be hoping to benefit from another season with the talented goalkeeper at the helm.
