Manchester City close in on £8 million centre-back transfer | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are closing in on their latest sale of an Academy graduate as they finalise an agreement for Callum Doyle.

The 21-year-old central defender has been the subject of significant speculation in recent weeks, with multiple Championship clubs and even interest from Scotland circling his availability.

Following four consecutive loan spells away from the Etihad Stadium, Callum Doyle has now reached a crossroads in his career, and Manchester City appear ready to sanction a permanent exit in line with their wider Academy transfer strategy.

Doyle spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Norwich City, establishing himself as a key part of their defensive unit. Prior to that, the England youth international gained experience at Sunderland, Coventry City, and Leicester City, consistently impressing at Championship level.

His performances have placed him firmly on the radar of several clubs seeking a long-term defensive investment, and his own comments at the end of last season underlined his desire for stability.

“I think a permanent move is the next aim for me. It’s my fourth loan now, and I’ve been all over the country,” Doyle told reporters in May. “I’ve got nothing to say bad about this club [Norwich City]. I love it… it just depends on what happens in the summer, to be honest.”

Now, according to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Wrexham are closing in on the signing of Manchester City’s Callum Doyle in a deal worth up to £8 million, beating away competition from both Sheffield United and Rangers.

Additional reporting from the Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall has detailed that Wrexham had made an initial enquiry over a £2 million deal, which was swiftly rejected by Etihad Stadium bosses.

Since then, the Premier League and Championship clubs have agreed on a deal that will reach £8 million, and Callum Doyle himself is keen to sign for the Welsh club in their debut second division campaign.

For Manchester City, Doyle’s sale would continue a summer theme of cashing in on Academy graduates who are unlikely to gain immediate first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola.

Wrexham’s move represents a remarkable statement of intent as the club continues to equip itself for life in the Championship under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership. Adding Doyle – a proven Championship performer – could prove to be one of the standout transfers of the summer in the second tier.

Looking ahead, Manchester City may look to include clauses in the deal such as sell-on rights or a buy-back option, ensuring they retain an element of control should Doyle develop further, although details of such conversations remain absent at this stage.

For the player himself, a permanent home at an ambitious club could provide the long-term stability he has sought after four nomadic loan spells. The transfer, once confirmed, will not only underline Wrexham’s growing reputation as serious players in the Championship market but also mark the end of a long-running saga around Callum Doyle’s future.