Birmingham City's promotion ambitions have been threatened by a potential brutal transfer setback, with the future of key midfielder Tommy Doyle now hanging in the balance.
New Manager Could Trigger Midfield Recall
The situation stems from the recent appointment of Rob Edwards as the new manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Edwards, who surprisingly left Middlesbrough during the November international break, is now believed to be weighing up a recall option for Doyle in the January transfer window.
This potential move would represent a hammer blow to Chris Davies' side, who signed the midfielder on a season-long loan deal from Wolves last summer. Doyle's arrival was seen as a major coup, fending off interest from his former club Sheffield United and several other Championship rivals.
Doyle's Growing Influence at St Andrew's
After a slow start that saw him begin just two of Birmingham's opening ten league matches, the former England Under-21 international has recently found his form. His influence in the middle of the park has been instrumental in the club's resurgence.
In the last six matches, Doyle has demonstrated his quality by controlling possession, winning tackles, and dictating play. His improved performances have coincided with the team's impressive run of four victories in six games, including emphatic 4-0 wins against both Millwall and Portsmouth.
Doyle brings valuable promotion experience, having previously helped Sheffield United achieve Premier League status during the 2022/23 season where he contributed four goals and seven assists.
Financial Stakes and Alternative Targets
The original loan agreement included a significant £10 million option to buy should Birmingham secure promotion this season. However, this clause may become irrelevant if Doyle returns to Molineux in January.
According to reports from Football Insider, Edwards is a known admirer of the midfielder and is actively seeking solutions to improve Wolves' struggling squad. The same outlet suggests that Wolves are also considering other midfield options, including Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips and Fulham's Harrison Reed.
This leaves Birmingham City in a precarious position, with their promotion hopes potentially derailed by a decision that rests entirely in the hands of their West Midlands rivals.
