Birmingham City have begun life back in the Championship by being linked to a litany of transfer targets, including the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, but there is one top flight talent who could be better value.
Birmingham City were crowned League One champions last season for their record-breaking season, and have taken that trajectory into the summer transfer window.
An aggressive summer transfer window is expected at St Andrews as the club’s American hierarchy look to equip head coach Chris Davies with the tools to earn successive promotions and reach the top flight.
That intent has already come to fruition so far in the summer transfer window, with the Blues targeting Premier League starlets.
Birmingham and Wrexham have eyed Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United as a loan option, and the Blues are waiting on Crystal Palace’s decision over Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
EFL Analysis revealed on Friday that the Blues’ dip into the Premier League market has seen the club target Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle.
Tommy Doyle pictured during Southampton FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Birmingham City and Wrexham target Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle
We understand that as of now, Wrexham are actively trying to sign the midfielder, but that Birmingham are favourites to land Doyle this summer.
After making only 3 Premier League starts for the Molineux outfit last term, the former Sheffield United loanee has been told he can depart this summer.
Second tier supporters were well accustomed to the technical qualities Doyle produced on loan for the Blades during the 2022/23 campaign, in which the Manchester City academy product scored four goals and notched six assists in 38 Blades appearances to help fire his loan club to the Premier League.
However, the combative midfielder has failed to rediscover this form at Wolves, and as such, Doyle was set for crunch talks over his future with boss Vitor Pereira in the post-season.
Via the Express and Star, Wolves boss Pereira revealed earlier this year why he sees his future elsewhere, in a potentially worrying appraisal for the Birmingham faithful.
Pereira said: “Technically-speaking, he’s a very good player, but in my opinion he’s missing the physicality to face this league.
“We need to run a lot and he’s missing this physicality, especially when we play with two midfielders.
“With three midfielders, I believe he is a 10 with high quality. The last pass, shots, crosses – he has those skills.”
With Doyle therefore surplus to requirements at Wolves, the Blues have sought to capitalise and make Doyle a Birmingham signing during this transfer window.
However, there is another Premier League starlet, who could represent a better potential deal for the Blues.
Sunderland v Crewe Alexandra - Carabao Cup First Round
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Birmingham City should target Sunderland ace Nectarios Triantis instead of Tommy Doyle
Although Doyle’s experience and ability are undeniable, Sunderland starlet Nectarios Triantis represents an incredible transfer option that Birmingham should pursue.
As his parent club Sunderland won promotion via the Championship play-off final, Triantis was impressing during his loan spell at Scottish Premier League giants Hibernian.
The Australian international was pivotal to Hibs’ third-placed finish and was shortlisted for Scotland’s Player of the Season for his exploits, which saw Hibs boss David Gray label him “fantastic” to the Edinburgh Evening News.
After his outstanding campaign, in which the central midfielder scored three goals and notched six assists in 34 SPL outings, Hibs are desperate to sign Triantis permanently, with the Edinburgh Evening News reporting that Sunderland have placed a “£1m price tag on any permanent move” for the 22-year-old.
Triantis’ agent has warned Sunderland he won’t be a “bit-part player” next term, and with the Black Cats’ promotion, it opens the door further for a potential deal.
Although we know Birmingham have the financial backing in the market, Doyle’s estimated value (from Transfermarkt) is at £8.5m, given his current Molineux deal still has three years left to run.
Statistic Nectarios Triantis in 2024/25 Tommy Doyle in 2024/25
Games 34 24
Goals + Assists 3 + 6 0 + 1
Chances created 31 7
Duels won 207 22
Recoveries 201 43
Nectarios Triantis’ and Tommy Doyle’s statistics from the 2024/25 season, data as per Fotmob
Admittedly, the above statistics exhibit discrepancies given Doyle’s lower gametime than Triantis’, but regardless, it is clear which central midfielder is in the best form heading into the summer window.
With Triantis not part of Sunderland’s long-term vision, the price tag constitutes exceptional value for a player proven in the Scottish top flight.
In choosing Triantis over Doyle, Birmingham would save themselves millions while recruiting a top prospect, who has enjoyed far better performances in the most recent season.