Wrexham have completed a move for Manchester City defender Callum Doyle after his loan spell at Norwich City.
After earning promotion to the Championship, the Hollywood-backed Dragons have endured a difficult start to the season.
On opening weekend, Southampton beat Wrexham 2-1 after coming back from Josh Windass’ early penalty opener.
Following that, West Brom beat Wrexham 3-2 thanks to an outstanding brace from Baggies star Isaac Price at the Racecourse.
Ahead of Wrexham’s home clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon, Phil Parkinson’s side have completed yet another impressive piece of transfer business.
Callum Doyle gestures during Norwich vs Preston
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Phil Parkinson reacts to Wrexham signing Callum Doyle from Manchester City
Following his impressive loan stint at Norwich City last season from Manchester City, Callum Doyle was the subject of rife transfer interest throughout the summer.
Earlier in the window, reports emerged that Man City wanted £12.7m for Doyle to see the defender depart the Etihad permanently after four consecutive seasons out on loan.
However, City reduced their asking price for the versatile defender, and Wrexham were keen to win the race for his signature ahead of Sheffield United and Rangers.
After reports that Wrexham were set to sign Doyle, the Dragons confirmed their latest transfer coup, much to the delight of boss Parkinson.
Wrexham have shelled out an initial £5m fee for the 21-year-old, with £3m in add-ons, but City do have a buy-back clause of £7.5m and a 25 percent sell-on clause in the deal for Doyle.
As quoted by Sky Sports, Parkinson said: “Callum’s a player we’ve obviously been looking at over the summer.
“Always difficult deals to get because there’s a player in demand. We’ve had to compete with some really good clubs to bring him here.
“He’s only 21, he’s got a lot of Championship experience, an England Under-21 international. I think he’s a player of huge potential.
“This hasn’t broken the transfer record. It’s in line with other transfers we’ve made already this summer.
“But I think it is a statement of intent that we’ve won the signature over some established Championship clubs, who’ve been in the division and Premiership before recently, and obviously clubs in other European leagues.”
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson ahead of pre-season friendly of Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham FC
Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Callum Doyle is the perfect signing for Phil Parkinson at Wrexham
Doyle could make his debut for the Dragons on Saturday afternoon as Wrexham face Sheffield Wednesday in a game Parkinson hopes to repeat their 2017 Owls win.
EFL Analysis have backed Wrexham to finally get their first win of the season in Championship score predictions for game week 3, and the arrival of Doyle plays a massive factor.
As a natural left-footed centre-back, his ability in possession is of the quality we have come to expect from a graduate of the Man City academy.
Club name Appearances
Manchester City academy 33
Sunderland (loan) 44
Coventry City (loan) 46
Leicester City (loan) 23
Norwich City (loan) 43
Callum Doyle’s career appearances for previous five clubs ahead of £8m Wrexham move.
With Parkinson’s trademark 3-5-2 system, Doyle is the perfect addition for the left centre-half role, between Conor Coady as the lynchpin and skipper James McClean on the left wing.
In three of his four loan spells away from Man City, Doyle has been part of a side either challenging for promotion, winning the play-off final or the Championship title.
Now, the England youth international, Parkinson, as well as owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, will be hoping his recent history repeats itself this season with a promotion push at Wrexham.