Norwich City are reportedly keen to acquire Manchester City defender Callum Doyle, who is believed to be available for approximately £10 million as the summer transfer window heats up. At just 21 years old, Doyle has gained valuable experience in the EFL, having spent the last few seasons on loan in both the Championship and League One. However, he has yet to make a significant impact at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
According to a report by The Athletic, Manchester City are eager to part with Doyle on a permanent basis this summer. With his chances of breaking into the first team appearing increasingly slim, both the player and the club seem to agree that a fresh start could be beneficial for his career. This strategy aligns with City's historical approach of allowing promising young talents to depart, particularly those who have excelled during loan spells. A notable recent case is Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who transferred to Southampton for £20 million after a successful stint in the EFL. Read more about Gibbs Targets Comeback as Norwich City Prepare for New Season.
During his last season at Carrow Road, Doyle's performances were somewhat inconsistent. While he proved instrumental in defence by contributing seven assists, he managed just five clean sheets across 40 Championship matches. Despite Norwich City’s defensive challenges, Doyle emerged as one of their more dependable players. His ability to play in multiple defensive roles, both centrally and on the left, makes him an appealing option for the Canaries, especially following their recent acquisitions of Harry Darling and Jakov Medic.
Doyle's previous loan at Coventry City was particularly noteworthy, where he played a vital role in helping the Sky Blues reach the play-off final, albeit suffering a defeat on penalties against Luton Town. He garnered admiration from the fans at the CBS Arena, leading to speculation about a potential return to Coventry. Additionally, Leicester City, facing the prospect of losing Conor Coady to both Rangers and Wrexham, may also consider Doyle as a viable option. Although his time with the Foxes was hindered by injury, his tactical versatility was a significant asset during their title-winning campaign in 2023/24.
Football League World has reported that a loan arrangement with an option or obligation to buy could be a plausible pathway for clubs interested in securing Doyle’s talents. Given his established Championship credentials and potential for further development, it is anticipated that several clubs will express interest as Manchester City seek to offload a player who has already demonstrated his capability at a competitive level. Read more about Norwich Seal McCourt Signing Amid Premier League Interest.
Norwich City, alongside Coventry and Leicester, will be closely monitoring the situation to determine if they can secure a player capable of strengthening their defensive lineup and enhancing squad depth. With Manchester City open to negotiations, an exciting prospect lies ahead for both Doyle and the club that successfully enlists him.