Exclusive: Birmingham City Poised to Beat Sunderland to the Loan Signing of Wolves Midfielder Tommy Doyle – Deal Includes Option to Buy
Birmingham City are on the verge of completing a major signing as they close in on a deal to bring Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle to St Andrew’s on a season-long loan. Sources have exclusively informed Football League World that the Championship side are in pole position to secure Doyle’s services for the upcoming campaign, edging out competition from Sunderland and Wrexham in the process.
The 23-year-old central midfielder, who has made 50 appearances in the Premier League across the last two seasons, has found opportunities increasingly limited at Molineux since the arrival of Vitor Pereira as head coach in December. As a result, Doyle has been considering his options, keen to find regular first-team football and revive the momentum he enjoyed earlier in his career.
Birmingham, now under the guidance of newly appointed manager Chris Davies, have been active in the transfer market as they look to rebuild and challenge for promotion following relegation. They have been linked with several high-profile names including former Everton winger Demarai Gray and Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi. Now, the addition of Tommy Doyle is set to further boost their midfield ranks.
Loan Deal with a Long-Term View
The agreement between Birmingham and Wolves will reportedly include an option to buy, giving the Blues the opportunity to make Doyle’s stay permanent should he impress during his time in the Midlands. This clause reflects Birmingham’s long-term vision and desire to build a squad capable not only of challenging in the Championship but also sustaining success in the future.
Although Sunderland and Wrexham both expressed strong interest in acquiring Doyle on a temporary basis, Birmingham have emerged as the more attractive destination. Their ambitious project and clear pathway to regular playing time appear to have convinced the former England youth international that St Andrew’s is the ideal setting for the next chapter of his career.
A Return to Familiar Ground
This move will not be Doyle’s first taste of Championship football. In the 2022/23 season, he played a key role for Sheffield United, featuring 38 times in all competitions as the Blades earned automatic promotion to the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. That campaign was widely regarded as a breakthrough year for the midfielder, showcasing his composure on the ball, range of passing, and tactical intelligence.
He also previously had a spell with Cardiff City during the 2021/22 campaign, making 19 appearances and gaining valuable experience in a struggling Bluebirds side that ultimately finished 18th in the league.
A Product of Manchester City’s Academy
Doyle began his professional journey at Manchester City, graduating from the club’s highly respected academy. Known for his technical ability, precise distribution, and vision, he was long tipped for success at the highest level. After a loan spell at Wolves, he was signed permanently by the Midlands club last summer and is currently under contract until 2028.
However, with playing time proving elusive under Pereira’s leadership, a temporary switch to Birmingham represents a strategic move for both Doyle and Wolves. For the player, it’s a chance to rediscover his form and play regularly. For Birmingham, it’s a low-risk, high-reward addition to a squad aiming for an immediate return to the top flight.
Positive Signals for Birmingham’s Ambitions
Securing a talent like Tommy Doyle ahead of other suitors underlines Birmingham City’s growing appeal within English football. With Davies assembling a youthful and energetic side, and the club demonstrating clear intent in the transfer market, there is a renewed sense of optimism around St Andrew’s.
Should Doyle thrive in his new surroundings, Birmingham will be well-positioned to activate the purchase clause – a move that could prove pivotal in the club’s long-term midfield plans.