Manchester City include two significant clauses in £7.5 million player sale | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium officials have included two clauses in their latest big-money sale from Manchester City’s Academy system, it has been revealed.

The deal in question involves 21-year-old central defender Callum Doyle, who has now completed a permanent switch to Championship newcomers Wrexham. After four consecutive loan spells across English football, Doyle has secured a long-term home, with City also ensuring they remain protected should his career trajectory continue to rise.

Doyle has been one of the most in-demand City Academy products of the summer transfer window. Previous reports detailed how Sheffield United, Rangers, and several Championship rivals including Norwich and Leicester all expressed strong interest, with further enquiries from Europe.

The 2024/25 campaign saw Doyle thrive at Norwich City, where he earned consistent minutes. Speaking at the end of that loan spell, he admitted his desire to finally find stability after years of short-term moves, “I think a permanent move is the next aim for me.”

Doyle continued as part of the same interview earlier this summer, “It’s my fourth loan now, and I’ve been all over the country… it just depends on what happens in the summer, to be honest.”

Now, as confirmed by the Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall in light of official club announcements, City have included a buy-back option and a sell-on clause in the £7.5 million deal that has seen Academy graduate Callum Doyle join Championship side Wrexham.

City had previously rejected a £6.5 million bid from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim earlier in the window, and officials at the Welsh club recently tried to capitalise by making an opening bid for Doyle at around £2 million.

Having ultimately agreed a £7.5 million fee for the Englishman, City have protected themselves with regards to the player’s trajectory with the inclusion of the aforementioned clauses, while the value of the sell-on agreement is said to be 25 per cent of a future sale.

This approach reflects City’s broader strategy when selling Academy graduates. Rather than allowing talent to simply depart, City frequently insert clauses ensuring both financial return and the possibility of re-signing players should they fulfil their potential elsewhere.

For Wrexham, securing Doyle is a landmark signing. Backed by Hollywood ownership, the Welsh club have made a powerful statement of intent ahead of their Championship campaign. Doyle’s arrival provides both proven second division quality and room for growth, with Wrexham willing to beat off competition from established clubs to land his signature.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of such clauses means that City supporters may not have seen the last of Doyle in sky blue. Should he continue to develop into a top-tier central defender, City retain the ability to bring him back to the Etihad. Equally, if his future lies elsewhere, the 25 per cent sell-on ensures the club will benefit from any major transfer down the line.

In many ways, the deal encapsulates the modern City model: nurturing elite Academy players, maximising financial returns, and keeping the door open for a future reunion.